The region’s peak industry body has praised the appointment of five Hunter MPs in the new state cabinet.

Swansea’s Yasmin Catley (Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism), Maitland’s Jenny Aitchison (Minister for Regional Transport and Roads), Port Stephens’ Kate Washington (Minister for Families and Communities; Minister for Disability Inclusion), Newcastle’s Tim Crakanthorp (Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education; Minister for the Hunter) and Charlestown’s Jodie Harrison (Minister for Women; Minister for Seniors; Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault) were all sworn in last week by Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC.

It came after Labor secured a narrow victory in the recent NSW Election.

For Ms Catley and Ms Aitchison, they are also the first women to hold their respective portfolios.

Business Hunter CEO Bob Hawes commended the NSW Government for increasing diversity on its frontbench.

“Achieving gender parity in NSW is a historic step and the Hunter has played a significant and proud role, contributing four of the 11 women who collectively represent this wonderful milestone for our state and for the nation,” he said.

“The inclusion of regional voices also bodes well.

“Five cabinet Ministers from the Hunter is extraordinary and more than double the last time Labor was in government, despite holding a similar number of seats.

“We know from consultation and discussion leading into the election that our local representatives have a very good handle on the opportunities and challenges confronting the region, and that augurs well as they take to their ministries.”

Mr Hawes was particularly pleased to see the government re-introduce the portfolio of a Minister for the Hunter.

“We’ve ticked this important recommendation off the list,” he said.

“So, we hope Tim is provided the necessary administrative resources to support him to succeed in this portfolio.”

Mr Hawes welcomed moves to appoint Lake Macquarie Independent MP Greg Piper as the next Speaker in the Lower House, too.

“We look forward to seeing Greg in his role when Parliament returns in May and acknowledge his recent efforts to advocate for important issues for the Hunter and surrounding regions,” he said.

Mr Hawes added there was a lot at stake and his organisation looked forward to supporting the new government to realise the ambition of the Hunter.

“There’s a lot of work ahead of us,” he said.

“The opportunities and challenges in energy cannot be overstated, persistent workforce and housing shortages continue to limit opportunities to thrive, and this is all playing out against a gloomy and uncertain economic backdrop.

“We know the region has a bright future, but it’s going to take a substantial collaborative effort from government, business, and community to realise this potential.

“Our State Election Platform consolidates the position of more than 4,200 businesses across the region and offers a clear picture of the key constraints and opportunities.

“So, we know what we need to do.

“Now, it’s time to start ticking these priorities off the list.”

For more business stories:

• Hunter ready to meet manufacturing challenge
• Employment market holding up: Hawes
• Award winners keeping the Hunter safe

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