New Labor Premier Chris Minns joins Lismore MP Janelle Saffin in CBD as community struggles to recover from 2022 floods

A Sydney politician has been announced as the NSW Labor government’s Minister for the North Coast on the same day new Premier Chris Minns has visited flood-stricken Lismore.

A Sydney politician has been announced as the NSW Labor government’s Minister for the North Coast on the same day new Premier Chris Minns has visited flood-stricken Lismore.

The selection of Rose Jackson MP is seen in some quarters as a snub to Labor’s sole North Coast-based MP Janelle Saffin, who was re-elected comfortably.

But the government has defended the choice and stated Ms Jackson was “best placed” to take on the job.

Ms Jackson has been picked for the role as well as five other portfolios – Water, Housing Homelessness, Mental Health and Youth.

Rose Jackson (left) pictured when Labor won the state election. Picture: NCA NewsWire/David Swift

“WOW. Forever grateful to be given the chance to serve …,” Ms Jackson wrote on Facebook.

“It’s a huge task. I’m so here for it. Let’s get to work.”

Lismore MP Ms Saffin backed the party’s choice and said Ms Jackson was a “terrific appointment”.

She said Ms Jackson was familiar with the North Coast: “She’s visited here many times”.

Ms Jackson describes herself as a “feminist, unionist, Labor member of over 15 years, community activist, daughter, wife and mother”.

Ms Saffin declined to say whether she would have accepted the North Coast role had it been offered, only that she had not sought the appointment.

Herself a flood survivor, Ms Saffin said she had more than enough on her plate working with her community through the rebuild.

In the wake of the election, Ms Saffin said: “I’ll drive (the conversation) any way – from the back bench.”

Then-Shadow Housing and Homelessness Minister Rose Jackson with MP Janelle Saffin before the state election.

Mr Minns’ office said in a statement: “The NSW Government is acutely aware that there is specific concern around housing issues facing the North Coast following the devastating floods of 2022.”

“Rose Jackson, as Minister for Housing and Homelessness and Minister for the North Coast, will be best placed to support the community in this time,” a spokesperson said.

“During her time as Shadow Minister for Water, Housing and Homelessness, Rose has spent considerable time on the North Coast engaging with the community and stakeholders, including announcing a commitment to deliver $30 million towards building affordable rental properties.

“Her work in both ministerial capacities will be done in close consultation with and working alongside local Member Janelle Saffin.”

Lismore Mayor Steve Krieg, Lismore MP Janelle Saffin and Premier Chris Minns in Lismore. Picture: Savannah Pocock

The Nationals Coffs Harbour MP Gurmesh Singh said it was “disappointing” a politician based in the region missed out on the North Coast role.

“It’s important for regional NSW to have representation in cabinet,” he said.

“We’ll work with the relevant ministry to ensure our electorates continue to get what they need.”

Speaking in Lismore CBD, Mez Fisher said Ms Jackson’s selection was “ridiculous” – but she was hopeful she would ultimately be a decent choice.

“I would be hopeful that the person that would have the capability to a minister would be able to communicate with locals and understand their specific needs,” she said.

A home on Elliott Rd in South Lismore after the terrifying floods. Picture: Jonathan Ng

Meanwhile, Mr Minns warned during his visit to the CBD on Tuesday that it will take years for the Northern Rivers to fully recover from the record 2022 floods.

Mr Minns and Ms Saffin said on Tuesday they would “do everything we can” to get people out of caravans and shells of homes and back into proper housing.

The pair visited shops which have reopened and asked workers and owners how they have been going with the recovery.

Lismore Mayor Steve Krieg, new NSW Labor Premier Chris Minns, Deputy Mayor Jeri Hall and Lismore MP Janelle Saffin in Lismore CBD on Tuesday morning. Picture: Savannah Pocock

One man marching along the footpath screamed briefly at the politicians over his shoulder about building homes.

Book Warehouse manager Evie Rashell, 21, said she was pleased to see the Premier drop by.

“It’s good to see that he cares about the community and he gets to see what it’s actually like in our town since the floods and rebuilds,” she said.

“He was lovely and polite and bought a book.”

Photos: Lismore struggling in wake of 2022 floods

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Ms Saffin spoke of the need to get Mr Minns to Lismore and surrounds following Labor’s election win.

She said she sent Mr Minns a text message saying he “must visit us (Northern Rivers) as soon as possible”.

Mr Minns, speaking during a media event, said about Lismore: “The town is not forgotten.”

He said he was “here to listen” to help the community move forward.

Premier Chris Minns and Lismore MP Janelle Saffin in Lismore CBD, with Mayor Steve Krieg behind. Picture: Savannah Pocock

“There’s a real spirit in the main street of Lismore … there’s resilience,” he said.

Mr Minns said the trip was an “opportunity for the incoming government to say to the community of Lismore and the Northern Rivers that they won’t be forgotten.

“It’s over a year since the devastating floods in this part of NSW. It’s really important that the new government sends a message to the businesses, to the community who live in this part of NSW that we are there for them for the long haul.”

However, Mr Minns said the recovery would take “many years” to complete.

Ms Saffin said she wanted “more transparency” on the situation in her electorate and for all politicians “to feel our sense of urgency”.

She promised those struggling to recover that the government would do all it could.

“To people who are still in a caravan, or a shell of a house, we will do everything we can to change that – but it will take time,” Ms Saffin said.

FLOOD RECOVERY AT A CRAWL

In the wake of the election on March 25, Ms Saffin said she would not call on Mr Minns to toss out the Liberal’s game plan on flood recovery, despite communities across the Northern Rivers repeatedly slamming the snail-pace of the recovery.

Mr Minns joined Ms Saffin on a tour of research hub Living Lab Northern Rivers and met with councillors and business owners.

An aerial photo of Lismore on March 31, 2022. Picture: Dan Peled/Getty Images

The centre has been supporting the flood recovery efforts by helping people in a variety of different ways, from providing tools and resources, to linking victims to services.

The pair have also toured community resilience and recovery centre Resilient Lismore.

Resilient Lismore executive director Ellie Bird was pleased to see Mr Minns in town. Picture: Savannah Pocock

Executive director Ellie Bird, 46, said it was “amazing that the Premier has made it a priority to come to Lismore”.

“We still have a very long way to go in our recovery and it’s really reassuring that the Premier has Lismore and the Northern Rivers at the front and centre of his thinking and work,” she said.