Bega: State Member Dr Michael Holland appointed parliamentary secretary for health

When the new premier called Michael Holland, he thought it was just a social call. But then he was asked to take on a prestigious role as a parliamentary secretary for health and regional health.

Member for Bega, Dr Michael Holland.

A renowned regional doctor who delivered hundreds of babies on the state’s south coast will become a leading voice for rural health in NSW after being appointed to a prestigious position.

State member for Bega, Michael Holland, who has spent 42 years in the medical industry on the south coast, has been named the parliamentary secretary for health and regional health.

Parliamentary secretary positions, which Dr Holland said were sometimes referred to as “ministerial roles on training wheels”, would see him work closely with current NSW Minister for Health, Ryan Park.

While he cannot make decisions on Mr Park’s behalf, Dr Holland said he would provide insight on regional issues.

“It’s a very significant responsibility to do this job,” he said.

“I have a good working relationship with Ryan and the premier, so we’re going to be able to get a lot done.”

The appointment comes after Dr Holland’s historic election win, which saw him become the first Labor member to be re-elected to the regional seat.

Labor member for Bega, Michael Holland giving his victory speech on election night, 2023.

Dr Holland said being appointed to the position was a “big deal” and would allow him to use his medical experience to better the health system, not just in his electorate, but statewide.

“Having been a regional doctor for more than 40 years, I know the issues, I know how doctors think, I know how the hospitals work and I know what needs to be done,” he said.

Dr Holland has been a vocal for advocating for better health services before and during his time in parliament and said he believed one of the most critical issues in his electorate is access to improved cancer care.

Dr Holland said the construction of the new $200 million Eurobodalla hospital would allow this.

“I have been advocating for years to have a level four hospital in the Eurobodalla Shire and with this new role, I will be able to liaise with Ryan Park more in order to make sure the facility has everything the region needs, including better care for cancer patients,” he said.

Dr Holland said the appointment would not affect the actual construction of the facility.

“The hospital is still going ahead as planned but I think having a doctor which my knowledge in this position can only help regional hospitals, not just in my electorate, but right around the state,” he said.

The position was offered to Dr Holland on Monday, when the NSW Premier, Chris Minns called him.

“I thought it was a social call, but then he said he wanted me to be the parliamentary secretary for health and regional health,” he said.

NSW Minister for Health, Ryan Park.

It’s a responsibility Dr Holland said he would not take lightly and, despite not being officially appointed yet, was already making plans.

“Once everything is confirmed, I want to visit every regional and rural hospital to see how they’re going, so I can report back to the health minister,” he said.

Feeling honoured, Dr Holland said the position was more than he thought he would be offered, but he did not rule out declining a ministerial role should one ever be offered.

“I’m glad I was offered this role because I know the health system here,” he said.

“It would be a great privilege to do whatever the premier asks of me in the future, if he decided to.”