NSW Premier reshuffles cabinet after resignation of transport minister, Jo Haylen
NSW Premier Chris Minns has re-shuffled his cabinet, promoting existing front benchers and welcoming a fresh face to the executive team.
It comes as pressure over the premier's hate speech laws increase, with them now the subject of a legal challenge in the Supreme Court.
Familiar faces are stepping in to new shoes.
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Premier of NSW, Chris Minns and Steve Kamper when he was Minister for Multiculturalism. Edwina Pickles
Steve Kamper has picked up the portfolio of jobs and tourism.
Regional Transport Minister Jenny Aitchison is now also the minister for roads.
Both will lighten the load on the unofficial minister for almost everything, John Graham, as he takes the reigns on transport permanently.
But he will keep a foot in the door on the final leg of toll negotiations.
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"We wanted to make sure we've got a senior team in place with the experience to get a good outcome for motorists," Minns said.
Promoted to cabinet for the first time as Minister for Recovery and Small Business, is Lismore MP Janelle Saffin.
Prime Minister Albanese taking a selfie with Lismore MP Janelle Saffin. Natalie Grono
"I particularly want to focus on this trauma in my community," Saffin said.
Deputy Premier Prue Carr noted the unique experience she brings.
"I don't think there's ever been a minister who has ever had to swim to safety in a natural disaster."
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"There is not a tougher more resilient parliament MP in parliament than Janelle Saffin," Minns added.
This cabinet re-shuffle was forced by the resignation of Jo Haylen, over her use of a ministerial driver on two weekend winery trips.
NSW Transport Minister Jo Haylen resigned after a scandal. Dominic Lorrimer
The premier shut down speculation he plans to bring her back to the front bench..
"No, no, I don't have, honestly, don't have any plans for anything like that," he said.
The premier has been forced repeatedly to defend the Government's hate speech reforms, since it was revealed that the Dural caravan plot was not religiously motivated.
A group of activists have filed a constitutional challenge in the Supreme Court.
They will protest outside parliament tomorrow.
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