By Peter Oglos.
NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet has revitalised his frontbench ahead of the 2023 election, elevating Miranda MP Eleni Petinos and eight other ministers to cabinet.
Eleni Petinos was named as the new Minister for Small Business and Minister for Fair Trading. Oatley MP Mark Coure will take over as Minister for Multiculturalism, also becoming Minister for Seniors.
There are other seven first-time ministers in the new cabinet include:Goulburn MP Wendy Tuckerman, Natasha Maclaren-Jones MLC, Cootamundra Nationals MP Steph Cooke, Manly MP James Griffin, Dubbo MP Dugald Saunders, Ben Franklin MLC and Sam Farraway MLC.
Mr Perrottet’s cabinet includes the new portfolios of Minister for Cities (Pittwater MP Rob Stokes), Minister for Science, Innovation and Technology (Ku-ring-gai MP Alister Henskens) and Minister for Homes (Lane Cove MP Anthony Roberts).
The Premier said the new ministry “harnesses experience, while allowing for renewal and injecting fresh energy into the team”.
“This is a cabinet with a purpose, carefully shaped to deliver on our vision, and my expectation is that every minister will work hard and get outcomes for the people of our state,” Mr Perrottet said.
“Our focus remains on getting the people of NSW back on their feet and we will be with them every step of the way as we navigate our way through the pandemic.”
The police portfolio will return to the NSW Nationals as Police Minister David Elliott will take on the Minister for Transport role.
Deputy Premier Paul Toole said he was proud of the new Nationals talent coming through the party’s ranks, adding: “I know they are going to bring fresh ideas to our government and throw all their energy into helping us build a bigger, brighter future in the regions.”
