Labor MPs fume at Minns Cabinet reshuffle
As Premier Chris Minns announces the winner and losers of his first Cabinet reshuffle, his new choices for the frontbench have caused a major upset among multiple Labor MPs.
NSW
Don't miss out on the headlines from NSW. Followed categories will be added to My News.
The first Cabinet reshuffle of the NSW government has caused a major upset among some Labor MPs who missed out on ministerial positions, with the changes now confirmed by Premier Chris Minns.
The reshuffle was triggered by the resignation of former transport minister Jo Haylen last month after it was revealed she had used a ministerial driver to attend a weekend winery lunch.
The Daily Telegraph revealed on Thursday that Lismore MP Janelle Saffin would be promoted to Cabinet, while interim Transport Minister John Graham would retain the senior portfolio.
His roads portfolio will be handed to Regional Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison, while his Jobs and Tourism responsibilities will be given to Steve Kamper who will remain Minister for Lands and Property, the Minister for Multiculturalism and the Minister for Sport.
“John Graham will continue to take carriage of the Government’s response to the toll review given the Government is mid-negotiation with toll companies about reforming the system,” the Premier said.
The new ministers will be sworn in by the governor on Monday morning and will start in their new portfolios immediately.
It is understood that up until last week, the Premier had been considering more sweeping changes of his front bench but instead decided against it. Internally, he has not ruled out a more wholesale reshuffle before the next election.
Yet the decision to promote the 70-year-old Ms Saffin, who is a member of Labor’s hard left faction, has caused consternation among some of her colleagues, who felt western Sydney MPs had been overlooked.
“Western Sydney, which is already hugely under-represented in Cabinet, has once again missed out in this reshuffle,” one Labor MP told the Telegraph.
Another Labor MP said those who had been promoted were chosen solely for factional reasons.
“The message is that no matter how talented the people are, they’re not welcome in his cabinet,” the MP said.
“Southwestern Sydney particularly has no representation now, I think it’s a really big problem.”
The only currently minister to hold a southwestern Sydney electorate is Fair Trading Minister Anoulack Chanthivong, who represents Macquarie Fields.
Multiple Labor MPs said they believed promoting Ms Saffin, who is rumoured to be close to retirement, would allow the Premier “to keep the seat warm” in Cabinet for Jo Haylen should Labor win the next election.
“(Ms Haylen) is one of the more intelligent and stronger performers,” another Labor MP said.
“I think the Premier will obviously try to bring her back eventually when everything has died down.”
While Mr Minns denied that was his intention, he said he would not rule out a return to the front bench for Ms Haylen.
“I don’t think it would be fair to any of my colleagues to be canvassing their careers and their futures in the media,” he said.
He said he understood some of his colleagues were disappointed they missed out on promotions.
“I think competition for these positions is a good thing for a government and I’ve got absolutely no problems with people wanting to knock on the door,’ he said.
It is understood Mr Minns was so impressed by Ms Saffin’s handling of ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred, he quickly pegged her for promotion.
“Janelle is one of the most experienced MPs in the NSW Government,” Mr Minns said.
“She has been instrumental in helping the Lismore community and surrounds recover from the 2022 floods as well as the recent impacts from Ex Tropical Cyclone Alfred.”
Other major portfolios such as health and police and counter-terrorism will remain with Ryan Park and Yasmin Catley respectively.
Join the conversation
6yo’s heartbreaking cause of death revealed
The cause of death of a little girl on the NSW South Coast has been revealed after a desperate search ended in a heartbreaking discovery.
Read more
Why this cancer kills more men in regional areas
Regional men face a 24 per cent higher death rate from this type of cancer than their metro counterparts as one Coffs Harbour survivor joins the fight to help save more lives.
Read more