LONGEST-serving Nationals MP Melinda Pavey has sensationally been demoted from NSW Cabinet.
The Dominic Perrottet-Paul Toole Government reshuffle announcement at the weekend surprisingly claimed the scalp of Ms Pavey, the party’s longest-serving MP in Australia.
A new cabinet was not announced when Mr Perrottet became NSW Premier in October, with a reshuffled ministry expected to be revealed soon.
Ms Pavey said she received a call from Mr Toole on Saturday, indicating she wouldn’t continue as a minister in the newly formed cabinet.
“While I’m disappointed, I respect the decision made,” she said.
“My enormous thanks goes to all the industry groups who have supported me through the various ministerial portfolios of roads, transport, water and housing.”
Ms Pavey was replaced by Tamworth member Kevin Anderson.
“I took the water ministry during the worst drought on record, and to this end I thank the Menindee community for welcoming me under much duress,” she said.
“I hope the incredible work in the water space, especially regarding coastal harvestable rights and in redefining the narrative on behalf of farmers, continues.
“It’s also important the final business cases of the Wyangala and Dungowan dams, as well the Regional Water Strategies are carried through to fruition.”
Ms Pavey said her first ministerial portfolio was Roads and Maritime, and here “my legacy is cemented”.
“Regional councils have received half-a-billion dollars to fix roads, and another half-a-billion dollars to replace country timber bridges,” she said.
“As the longest serving National Party MP in Australia, I’m determined to keep contributing on behalf of my constituents and the grassroots members of the National Party.
“I will also work to ensure success at the next election.”
The NSW Government has been contacted for comment.
