Female and Hunter MPs Aplenty in New State Cabinet

BY OLIVIA DILLON

Five of the Hunter's seven Labor MP's have been given positions in Chris Minns' new state government. 

Swansea MP, Yasmin Catley is one of the big winners in the new ministry, being elevated to the Police and Counter-terrorism portfolio.

Charlestown MP, Jodi Harrison becomes the new Minister for Women, Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, and Seniors.

Port Stephens MP, Kate Washington moves into the Families and Communities and Disability Inclusion portfolios.

Maitland's Jenny Aitchison is now the Minister for Regional Transport and Roads.

The Hunter locals are among a host of others elevated to new positions in an historic 50% female-led ministry. 

Meanwhile, Member for Newcastle, Tim Crakanthorp becomes Minister for the Hunter and retains his shadow role in Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education.

The Premier has also thrown his support behind Lake Macquarie MP Greg Piper as the new speaker for the Lower House.  

He says, he looks forward to seeing an Independent in the seat. 

"It's very difficult for a speaker who is drawn from the ruling party to give that sense of independence that we expect of someone in that position, but when the person who in in the speaker's role comes as an Independent, it will truly be an independent role," Mr Piper said. 

Mr Piper noted whilst he's proud to be endorsed for the role, he won't let it distract him from getting things done in his electorate. 

Image: Premier's Office

Shortland MP Pat Conroy snags spot in Albanese Ministry

BY DAKOTA TAIT

The Hunter has scored a seat at the table in Anthony Albanese's new ministry.

Shortland MP Pat Conroy has been appointed Minister for Defence Industry, as well as Minister for International Development and the Pacific.

He's holding on to the latter portfolio from the Shadow Ministry, where he also served as a Minister Assisting for Defence and Climate Change.

Mr Conroy says it's a real privilege for himself, and a great move for the region.

"Defence has got a huge potential to be a real boon in terms of jobs in our region," he said.

"We've got great expertise, not just at Williamtown. Obviously Forgacs at Tomago helped build modules for the Air Warfare Destroyer. We built the minesweepers and so forth.

"We've got a real opportunity to build on that excellence."

Image credit: Pat Conroy.

Upper Hunter MP Denies Claims of Bankruptcy Threat

BY LAUREN FREEMANTLE

Upper Hunter MP Michael Johnsen is confident his candidacy for the NSW Nationals is safe, despite claims of a threat of bankruptcy looming over his head.

An article published in the Sydney Morning Herald today says Mr Johnsen has failed to pay the family of his deceased business partner, Chris Walker, a 40% share of their mortgage broking practice - a sum to the tune of $302,000.

It claims Mr Walker's children have been left "distraught" since his death in 2011, and have threatened to take the matter to the Federal Court, seeking orders for Mr Johnsen's bankruptcy.

However, in a statement to 2NURFM News, Michael Johnsen says the article was based on incorrect information, and that an agreement has been reached with the Walker family.

"I can say without breaking a confidentiality clause is that a figure has been agreed by all the parties and everything is in place to finalise the matter in days," the statement read.

"Unfortunately the sale of businesses can be complicated, and many matters led to a reduction in the final realisation price that made the final settlement number reduce significantly."

Mr Johnsen went on to describe Mr Walker as more than a business partner, but a friend.

The Berejiklian government is thought to be counting on the MP's Upper Hunter re-election to remain in power come the March 2019 election.

Michael Johnsen MP.