NEWS - New Ports and Waterways Minister for NSW

NSW has a new Minister for Ports and Waterways, the Hon. Paul McLeay, MP (pictured above at right with Boating Safety Officer Nick Richards).

NSW Maritime CEO Steve Dunn said having a Minister dedicated solely to the portfolio of Ports and Waterways will help make sure the core issues of boating safety, port logistics and maritime infrastructure are heard in Government.

"The Minister is very keen to build a strong relationship with Maritime, and visited the Kent Street offices (of NSW Maritime) within hours of his swearing in (on
Tuesday, November 17)," Dunn said.

"He met with Regional Managers and the Executive yesterday morning, and with the Ministerial Maritime Advisory Council in the afternoon.

"I understand he will also be looking to visit as many regional centres as possible in coming months, to meet with staff and get a detailed understanding of our operational issues," he said.

The Minister’s electorate is Heathcote, on the southern fringe of Sydney — an area with a substantial boating community. Prior to entering Parliament, he was Assistant General Secretary of the Public Service Association and a director of the SGE Credit Union, and Nanbaree Child Care Centre.

McLeay replaces as Ports Minister, Joe Tripodi who was axed from the portfolio last Sunday along with Primary Industries Minister Ian Macdonald by NSW Premier Nathan Rees in a bid to gain a lift for his Labor Government in the polls.

Tripodi held the portfolios of Finance, Infrastructure, Regulatory Reform, and Ports and Waterways.