NSW Labor reshuffle means more responsibilities for Walt Secord
NSW Labor Leader Michael Daley has today announced changes to the Labor Shadow Cabinet that he will take to the March election – including two extra portfolios added to the responsibility of Walt Secord.
Walt Secord
Mr Secord has added Shadow Minister for Mental Health and Shadow Minister for Medical Research to his previous responsibilities of Deputy Opposition Leader in the NSW Legislative Council, Shadow Minister for Health, Shadow Minister for the Arts and Shadow Minister for the North Coast.
Mr Secord is also deputy chair of the NSW Parliamentary Friends of Israel and a former journalist at the Australian Jewish News.
Mr Secord said the Berejiklian Government had neglected mental health in NSW and there has not been a full and proper inquiry since 2001.
A recent review by the Black Dog Institute’s data platform also found that there are major gaps in mental health services in NSW. “In fact, there are vast geographical areas where there are no mental health support services at all. For example in Wentworth Shire, in the State’s southwest, there no psychiatrists, psychologists or mental health services available at all.”
Mr Daley said the changes are minimal so shadow ministers can keep working hard on their portfolios in the lead up to the election.
Meanwhile, Lakemba MP and Shadow Education Minister Jihad Dibb retained responsibility as acting Shadow Minister for Multiculturalism asCanterbury MP Sophie Cotsis is on sick leave.
Mr Daley said climate change is an issue the community is demanding all governments tackle. Taking action on climate change while driving down electricity prices for households and businesses is a Labor priority. Adam Searle adds Climate Change to his portfolio of Energy.
Upper House member, John Graham, joins the Shadow Cabinet as Shadow Minister for the Night Time Economy and Music. He will also pick up Gaming and Racing, Tourism, Major Events and Forestry.
Tania Mihailuk takes on Planning and retains Family and Community Services and Housing.
Michael Daley said: “On March 23, voters in NSW will have a clear choice between divided Liberal and National parties and a strong and united Labor team that will put schools and hospitals before stadiums. I am particularly pleased that women make up 40 per cent of my shadow cabinet.”
