After a dramatic fortnight in politics involving the resignation of NSW Premier Barry O’Farrell, the appointment of Mike Baird as the new Premier saw a front bench reshuffle last week, with Nationals MP George Souris dropped from state cabinet.
Mr Souris told reporters that he was not in the new ministry, but that he looked forward to spending more time on electorate issues.
The former Minister – whose portfolios included Tourism, Major Events, Hospitality, Racing and the Arts – played a central role in overhauling NSW’s liquor licensing laws following fatal assaults in Kings Cross in the last year.
Speaking to Neos Kosmos, Mr Souris was evidently surprised by his omission from cabinet.
“I did not regard myself yet to have reached the need for generational change, “ said the Nationals MP.
“I have been in Parliament for 26 years, and 23 of those years were as a member of the front bench in government or opposition, including ministries in the Greiner, Fahey and O’Farrell governments”.
Despite being stripped of ministerial duties, Mr Souris is nevertheless upbeat his political future.
“The best side is that juggling the demands of ministerial office and electorate commitments has become a whole lot easier, and I will be able to devote my entire efforts on the electorate that has supported me all those years,” he said.
“I am going to be even more determined to ensure our fair share of budgets and proceeds from the various funds that exist, and I look forward to concentrating myself on the electorate without all those conflicts, especially of time.”
Commenting on Barry O’Farrell’s departure over the issue of a lobbyist’s gift, Mr Souris said that politics “is an unforgiving creature”.
NSW Premier Mike Baird announced his first cabinet last week.
Troy Grant – the member for Dubbo – replaces Mr Souris as the Minister for Hospitality, Gaming and Racing, as well as Minister for the Arts, while Deputy Premier Andrew Stoner will take on a number of portfolios including Minister for Tourism and Major Events.
