ALTHOUGH the state government has dumped the Minister for the Illawarra position, newly appointed parliamentary secretary for the region, Kiama MP Gareth Ward, says residents will not be disadvantaged, nor will he neglect his electorate.
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NSW Premier Mike Baird has announced he would scrap all regional ministries - except that of Western Sydney, which he holds - while revealing his new cabinet line-up.
Mr Ward, whose regional responsibilities will extend to the South Coast, said his new role meant he would report to the cabinet and hold his government to its Illawarra election commitments. Mr Ward will be appointed to the new role once Parliament returns.
The Illawarra ministry was established by Labor in 2003 to give the region heavyweight representation in Macquarie Street.
However, Mr Ward said the new position would not disadvantage residents.
"It's not really any different, because the regional ministries were always attached to something else anyway.
"My job is to be the region's voice in the government and that's what I intend to do."
However, Labor's Illawarra spokesman, Keira MP Ryan Park, said Mr Ward would not be in the cabinet room in his new position, meaning he would not be directly involved in making decisions for the Illawarra.
"Decisions are not made by parliamentary secretaries and I am disgusted that, in the first week of the new term of government, they have decided the Illawarra is not worth having a cabinet minister," Mr Park said.
Mr Park said he would speak to Opposition Leader Luke Foley about continuing to advocate for the region as Shadow Minister for the Illawarra.
The now-defunct ministry has been something of a poisoned chalice over the past 12 years, with five of the six ministers who have held the position being disgraced, sacked or forced to resign over their behaviour.
The most recent Illawarra advocate, John Ajaka, managed to break the portfolio's curse.
"I have no intention of repeating the faux pas of former Labor ministers," Mr Ward said.
"I've been in the public service for many years, and I think my experience speaks for itself."
Mr Ward said he would be at the "decision-making table and in ministers' ears constantly", but his electorate would always come first.
"My electorate will always be my first priority but I will work hard for our region as I have for my electorate of Kiama.
"In the next few years we will see record investments in infrastructure and services continue and expand.
"Projects like the Albion Park Rail Bypass will be transformational for our region and will help to support the creation of more jobs and encourage the growth of new businesses."
NSW Premier Mike Baird said Mr Ward's promotion was in recognition of his hard work and dedication.
"Gareth will be a fierce advocate for the Illawarra and South Coast and will be a powerful voice for the region in government," Mr Baird said.
Labor Member for Shellharbour Anna Watson congratulated Mr Ward.
"It was my view that he should have been appointed to the minister's role during the last term of the state government, but for some reason he was overlooked for it time and time again."
