NSW election 2023: Chris Minns faces first test on pokies

Newly sworn-in NSW Premier Chris Minns will be pushed for a firmer commitment on pokies reform by independents in exchange for their legislative ­support.

Chris Minns is sworn in as Premier by NSW Governor Margaret Beazley at Government House in Sydney on Tuesday. Picture: AAP

Newly sworn-in NSW Premier Chris Minns will be pushed for a firmer commitment on pokies reform by a bloc of independents in ­exchange for their legislative ­support as his hopes of claiming a majority fade.

Continued strong pre-poll and postal vote flows in favour of the Coalition on Tuesday left Labor stranded on 45 seats, as former Liberal minister turned independent Gareth Ward appeared set to claim the seat of Kiama, while an outcome in Ryde appeared unlikely to be resolved this week.

Despite the firming likelihood the party would fall short of the 47 seats needed for a majority, Mr Minns and his ministry were sworn-in at Government House on Tuesday morning, after securing confidence and supply from three independents on Monday.

After preliminary calls on Saturday ahead of the election, Sydney MP Alex Greenwich, Lake Macquarie MP Greg Piper and Wagga Wagga MP Joe McGirr ­announced they would support Labor, but would negotiate legislation on a case-by-case basis.

With the three all strong supporters of gambling reform, Mr Greenwich and Mr Piper told The Australian they would be looking for concessions from Mr Minns, with the latter hoping Labor’s ­pokies reform trial would be to used to address technical issues before a full rollout.

“For Greg, Joe and I that’s been our position,” Mr Greenwich said.

Mr Piper noted the only members of the crossbench not supportive of gambling reform were Orange MP Phil Donato and Barwon MP Roy Butler, former Shooters, Fishers and Party members turned independents.

After Mr Minns, deputy Prue Car and six senior Labor ministers were sworn in, the 47th Premier of NSW said the “huge responsibility” on the incoming government’s shoulders meant he would not waste a second, heading straight to Liverpool Hospital, in the city’s west. Alongside Health Minister Ryan Park, Mr Minns said he had ordered the Department of Health to establish a promised surgical care taskforce, saying addressing the state’s elective surgery waiting list was an “urgent priority”.

“I want this to be given a day-one, top-priority focus,” Mr Park said. “I want to make sure that NSW Health understands it’s a focus of the Premier, it’s a focus of mine.”

Mr Minns ruled out dealing with Mr Ward – who entered a not guilty plea to historical sexual abuse allegations in Nowra Court – despite the likelihood Labor will need to deal with the crossbench.

“We’re not going to negotiate with him at all,” Mr Minns said. “I want to wait and see what the outcome of the ballot is. We’re still very hopeful and, I think, in the commanding position to win that seat.”

For the Liberals, the question of leadership continued to swirl, as Badgerys Creek MP Tanya Davies put her hand up for the deputy leadership vacated by Matt Kean. Ms Davies said that as deputy she would endeavour to offer a “clear choice between political parties”.

“The people of western Sydney and NSW more broadly sent a clear message on election night that they want a Liberal Party that stands up for families, backs in our small businesses and governs with compassion,” she said.

With former attorney-general Mark Speakman firming as the likely opposition leader, Liberal sources said a female deputy was the most likely scenario, with Goulburn MP Wendy Tuckerman also touted as a possible candidate.