Dominic Perrottet loses two more ministers as Don Harwin, Shelley Hancock quit

Local Government Minister cites Gladys Berejiklian’s exit as difficult to ‘move past’, as Arts Minister also joins string of resignations.

NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet speaks to the media during a press conference in Sydney. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Flavio Brancaleone

NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet has lost two more cabinet ministers, with Liberal MPs Shelley Hancock and Don Harwin both announcing their intention to quit at the next election.

Ms Hancock, the NSW Local Government Minister, cited the loss of former premier Gladys Berejiklian as a “personal loss”, saying she would not contest her South Coast seat at the 2023 election.

Ms Hancock, a former Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, said it had been “highly rewarding“ to serve the people of NSW, but she had found balancing challenging family commitments as well as the departure of Ms Berejiklian difficult.

“The commitment it takes to serve as a minister is significant,” Ms Hancock said.

“Many know of my challenging family circumstances and it is due to these that I informed the Premier that I could not fully commit to continuing to serve as a Minister, and I have asked him not to reappoint me to Cabinet.

NSW Minister for Local Government Shelley Hancock during Question Time. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Bianca De Marchi/POOL via NCA NewsWire

“Also, a significant challenge for me has been the departure of Gladys Berejiklian.

“Gladys’ resignation is a loss for NSW and a personal loss for me, and something that I have found difficult to move past.”

Earlier on Saturday, Liberal colleague Don Harwin, the NSW Arts Minister and leader of the government in the Legislative Council, said he would also exit parliament at the next state poll, ending a state political career stretching back to 1999.

“Yesterday I informed the Premier that I did not want to be considered for a place in his new Ministry,” Mr Harwin, 57, said.

“In the last few weeks I have been giving consideration to whether I could commit to another eight-year term in the Legislative Council beyond March 2023.

“I have now decided I will not recontest my seat and therefore, this is the right time to end my ministerial service.”

Mr Harwin confirmed that he would not leave the Legislative Council before the end of his term.

Minister for the Arts Don Harwin. Picture: NCA NewsWire / David Swift

Mr Perrottet thanked the departing cabinet ministers, the latest in a string of high-profile departures including former deputy premier John Barilaro and former Transport minister Andrew Constance, who announced their exit from parliament this year.

“As such both ministers have confirmed that they also do not wish to seek reappointment to the cabinet,” Mr Perrottet said.

“Both Mr Harwin and Mrs Hancock have been strong advocates for the people of NSW in their respective roles as ministers throughout their careers in the NSW parliament.”

“Mr Harwin has served across a diverse range of portfolios and as the Arts Minister played an important role in helping enrich the cultural offerings of the state as well as fighting for much needed support to help the arts community throughout the pandemic.

“Mrs Hancock has been a strong leader in the NSW parliament, serving as the speaker of the Legislative Assembly prior to being appointed the Minister for Local Government, where she provided valuable service ensuring the continuation of the critical role of local councils during the pandemic and that local government elections proceeded this year.”