Kellie Sloane among women MPs to get spot on Liberal frontbench

The Liberals will pump new blood into their shadow ministry in a bid to hit gender parity, with several new MPs to get called-up to round-out a frontbench frequently criticised for its lack of women.

The Liberals will pump new blood into their shadow ministry in a bid to hit gender parity, with several new MPs to get called-up to round-out a frontbench frequently criticised for its lack of women members during the state election.

The Telegraph understands new Vaucluse MP Kellie Sloane, who was elected for the first time in March, will get called into the ministry immediately, while Upper House MP Scott Farlow is also likely to get his first portfolio.

A vote to change rules to allow Upper House MPs to be deputy leader of the party – which would mean senior Liberal Natalie Ward would get the role – will also be held when members meet on Monday.

It’s understood a vote on overhauling the rules – which would require two thirds of the party to support it – will come down to the wire, with multiple sources saying there were MPs split across right and left factions who were unlikely to vote for the move.

The vote is shaping as the first major challenge of new Opposition leader Mark Speakman’s leadership, given he supports the move.

Kellie Sloane will get called into the ministry immediately. Pics by Julian Andrews

Despite pushing for more positions on the frontbench given their relatively strong election showing, the Nationals are likely to have eight MPs in the shadow ministry, the same number as was in Dominic Perrottet’s last ministry.

It’s understood the Nationals will retain portfolios in gaming, racing, agriculture, Crown Lands, water, emergency services, and flood recovery, with ministers from the former government set to return, although there may be some changes between who holds what portfolio.

NSW Parliament returns this week for the first time in more than four months, with parliament last sitting for a one-off day on December 21.

Labor will use the first week to move through a raft of legislation it campaigned on.

Top of their list will be enshrining Sydney Water and Hunter Water in the constitution, meaning the move would have to be unwound if a government was to sell-off the assets in the future.

Labor will also move legislation to ban rental bidding, and will force landlords and real estate agents to inform all rental applicants when a higher offer of rent is made on a property, while the party will move to ban donations from clubs to political parties.

Premier Chris Minns said privatisation of state assets would “end this week”.

“Before the election I made a commitment to protect Sydney Water in the Constitution. This week my government delivers on that promise,” he said.

“We’ve seen what 12 years of privatisation of (the) electricity network, ports and toll roads has done – it’s led to people having to pay higher prices to pay for services they use to own.”

REBUILT PARTY ‘WILL ENSURE LABOR DOESN’T BOW TO UNIONS’

The NSW Coalition has revealed the core of its first rejigged frontbench after losing government, with the major portfolio of health to be covered by former Treasurer Matt Kean, while Liberal MP Natalie Ward will take on transport.

Liberal leader Mark Speakman and Nationals leader Paul Toole announced on Wednesday the first senior shadow ministry positions, with five Liberals and three Nationals, despite the latter party’s push for more.

It’s understood former Premier Dominic Perrottet didn’t want a place on the frontbench, with experienced campaigners from the last government forming the core of the new shadow ministry.

Mr Toole will balance leading the Nationals, who only lost one seat in the election, with duties as shadow police and regional NSW minister.

Deputy Nationals leader Bronnie Taylor will be shadow minister for regional health, trade, and seniors.

Former Treasurer Matt Kean will tackle health. Picture: NCA NewsWire / David Swift

Fellow Upper House MP Damien Tudehope picks up the role as shadow Treasurer, while National Sarah Mitchell retains education and will be shadow minister for western NSW.

Former Sports Minister Alister Henskens will be the shadow attorney general.

Opposition leader Mr Speakman said his colleagues would be tasked with ensuring Labor doesn’t bow to “the demands of union bosses”.

“We will continue to fight for NSW families and businesses, to ensure they have the economic settings and support to succeed and prosper, and weather the current cost-of-living challenges,” Mr Speakman said.

“We will make sure that the Labor Government is held to account and doesn’t compromise our economic security to satisfy the demands of union bosses.”

Mr Toole said the frontbench was experienced.

“Our shadow ministers have the experience to deliver the ideas for a strong economy and job creation and support world-class health, education and transport,” he said.

The final shadow ministry may not be known until as late as Monday, a day before the new government is set to sit for the first time.