The Country Mayors Association of NSW has welcomed the recent NSW Coalition Shadow Ministry re-shuffle.

CMA chairman Rick Firman said the board and members especially welcomed the appointment of Member for Northern Tablelands, Brendan Moylan, as Shadow Minister responsible for Prevention of Regional Crime.

“Obviously crime is a serious issue for several of our CMA Member Councils,” Mr Firman said.

“To see a Shadow Ministry specifically for Regional Crime Prevention is encouraging.  We look forward to meeting with Mr Moylan to discuss our members’ concerns.

However, Mr Firman is disappointed the Coalition moved away from Local Government as a stand-alone portfolio.

“Local Government is integral to the provision of services and facilities to every person that lives in New South Wales,” Mr Firman said.

“We strongly believe that the sector deserves a Shadow Minister whose primary focus is on working with the us to achieve positive outcomes for the residents we all represent.”

He said the retention of the Regional Health portfolio is warmly welcomed.

“The CMA strongly advocated for this when the former mayor of Parkes Shire, Mr Ken Keith, was our chairman, the then-Government adopted it, which was terrific,” he said.

“Mrs Bronnie Taylor being the inaugural Minister for Regional Health did a top job.  We were very pleased that the current Government chose to retain the portfolio, albeit as one of the responsibilities held by our Minister for Health, Ryan Park.

The Country Mayors Association of NSW has welcomed the appointment of Brendan Moylan as Shadow Minister responsible for Prevention of Regional Crime.

“The CMA firmly believes that the unique challenges of delivering health and allied services in remote, rural and regional New South Wales deserves its own portfolio and focus,” he said.

“Overall, this appears to be a good team of Shadow Ministers, with experience and new blood included.

“Our CMA Board and Members look forward to working with the Government and Shadow Ministry as we formulate our March 2027 State Election priorities.

“Financial sustainability, combined with cost shifting are priority issues for most Members.  It’s critical the status quo doesn’t continue, as most of our rural, remote and regional Member Councils cannot continue on the trajectory we’re on – something has to give.

“The CMA will continue to work as hard as we can to help be part of the suite of solutions. However, we need urgent reform from our State and Federal Governments that recognises and addresses our concerns about NSW Local Government’s financial sustainability,” Mr Firman said.