MEMBER for Northern Tablelands Brendan Moylan was yesterday appointed Shadow Minister for Prevention of Regional Crime and Shadow Minister for Agriculture.

Mr Moylan said the new roles reflect the priorities of the electorate and strengthens his ability to keep working hard for communities and farmers.

“I’m surprised, but very grateful for the opportunity to work hard in the Shadow Cabinet,” Mr Moylan said.

“Both portfolios closely align with the work that I’ve been doing over the last 16 months in our electorate.

“Regional crime is now a standalone portfolio for the NSW Opposition, and I thank Kellie Sloane and Gurmesh Singh for elevating this portfolio into Cabinet,” he said.

“Crime in our regional towns has a real impact on families, businesses and local confidence.

“I have previously suggested practical options to the Government to address regional crime, and I will continue to do so.

“Agriculture is the mainstay of our region. When our farmers succeed our towns succeed and we need to get the policy settings right to ensure our farmers are not held back by Government,” he said.

“At the end of the day, these new roles allow me to continue the work I’m already doing across our electorate, listening on the ground, and taking regional voices directly into Parliament.”

(from left) Liberal Upper House member Jacqui Munro, Opposition leader Kellie Sloane, NSW Nationals leader Gurmesh Singh, Member for Epping Monica Tudehope and Member for Northern Tablelands, Brendan Moylan.

Leader of the NSW Nationals Gurmesh Singh takes on the roles of Shadow Minister for Regional NSW, Shadow Minister for Small Business, Shadow Minister for Trade and continues as Shadow Minister for the North Coast.

Nationals’ Deputy Leader Kevin Anderson is Shadow Minister for Hospitality and Gaming, Shadow Minister for Tourism, Shadow Minister for Western NSW, and Shadow Minister for Seniors.

Leader of the NSW Nationals in the Upper House, Sarah Mitchell MLC,  is the new Shadow Minister for Health, Shadow Minister for Regional Health and Shadow Minister for Mental Health.

Mr Singh said the new team is focused on the wellbeing and security of everyone across New South Wales, regardless of where they call home.

“The Minns Labor Government has shown time and time again that for them, regional New South Wales is an afterthought. We are the last to be consulted and the first to be stripped,” Mr Singh said.

“The NSW Nationals are committed to improving the quality of life across the regions, and through this new Shadow Ministry, we will work tirelessly to ensure our communities are afforded the same services, jobs, and opportunities, as those in the city.”

The newly refreshed team includes Paul Toole as Shadow Minister for Regional Transport and Roads while Steph Cooke continues her role as Shadow Minister for Water and Shadow Minister for Crown Lands.

Tanya Thompson is the new Shadow Minister for Emergency Services and Shadow Minister for Disaster Recovery and Dave Layzell takes on the role of Shadow Minister for Mining and Natural resources and Shadow Minister for Racing.

Scott Farlow has moved to Shadow Treasurer and Damien Tudehope has moved to Shadow Attorney General.

Deputy Leader of the Liberals Natalie Ward is the Shadow Minister for Transport and Infrastructure and Shadow Minister for Sport.

NSW Liberals Leader, Kellie Sloane, said the new team will work every day to earn the trust of the people of New South Wales.

“The NSW Liberals and Nationals will be a government of vision and ambition, and will put the interests of families, businesses and communities back at the centre of decision-making in New South Wales,” she said.

“Our team will be developing practical policies that support families, ease the cost of doing business, makes housing more affordable, ensures reliable frontline services and empowers local communities.

“This is a team that understands government, respects taxpayers, and is committed to delivering a stronger, more affordable and more prosperous New South Wales,” Ms Sloane said.

The new NSW Liberal and Nationals Shadow Ministry will be supported by a team of Shadow Parliamentary Secretaries, to be announced in the coming days.