Walt Secord returns to Labor frontbench: Shadow Minister for Police and Counter-Terrorism
In a comprehensive reshuffle of the NSW State Labor frontbench, Walt Secord was appointed to a number of shadow ministerial portfolios including Shadow Minister for Police and Shadow Minister for Counter-Terrorism.
Walt Secord meets the media following his new appointments
Mr Secord resigned from the frontbench on May 25 over the leadership of Jodi McKay – but returned to the frontbench on June 11. He was a key backer of new Labor leader Chris Minns in the recent leadership bout.
Mr Secord was appointed also Shadow Minister for the Arts and Heritage and Shadow Minister for the North Coast. Mr Secord is also in the senior Parliamentary Labor Party “leadership and tactics group”.
He told J-Wire: “Policing and protecting the community will be a central election issue in the lead up to the March 2023 poll and I am excited to be the Labor spokesperson on police and counter-terrorism.”
I believe that we need a police force which is properly resourced and supported by the State Government. This is about driving down crime rates and supporting the victims of crime.
As for the Jewish community, I know first-hand the importance of security and counter-terrorism. Unfortunately, it is sad that in our society, we need security guards outside Jewish places of worship and Jewish dayschools.”
I will always be bi-partisan on counter-terrorism and security issues relating to the Jewish community – and I have already reached out to NSW Jewish Board of Deputies president Lesli Berger to discuss communal security needs.”
Mr Secord said that among the first briefings and meetings he will seek to meet with the Police Association of NSW and the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies.
When Mr Secord was announced on June 11, the Police Association of NSW in a tweet formally welcomed his appointment.
In other major portfolio announcements, Western Sydney MP Prue Car was appointed Deputy Labor leader and Shadow Education Minister; Rockdale MP Steve Kamper was appointed Shadow Minister for Multiculturalism and Central Coast MP David Harris was appointed Shadow Aboriginal Affairs.
Walt Secord is the acting chair of the NSW Parliamentary Friends of Israel and the patron of the NSW Labor Israel Action Committee. He is also a member of the Emanuel Synagogue.
