NSW Opposition Leader Kellie Sloane Unveils New Shadow Cabinet: Meet the Fresh Faces and Familiar Names in the Battle for Power
- A father-daughter duo will take on key roles in the NSW opposition frontbench, bringing a unique blend of experience and youth to the table.
- Former NSW Liberal leader Mark Speakman makes a comeback as shadow education minister, while outspoken critic Chris Rath takes on planning and housing.
- The Nationals lose a frontbench seat, but gain crucial portfolios in health and small business, sparking a fierce battle for regional votes.
In a bold move, NSW Opposition Leader Kellie Sloane has revealed her new shadow cabinet, shaking up the Liberal Party’s frontbench with a mix of fresh faces and familiar names. The reshuffle, delayed due to the Bondi massacre, brings a father-daughter duo to the forefront, with Epping MP Monica Tudehope joining her father, Damien Tudehope, in the shadow ministry.
“I’m going to be in shadow cabinet with my boomer dad, and that’s really exciting,” Ms Tudehope said, highlighting the unique dynamic she’ll bring to policy discussions. “We bring very different perspectives to policy considerations … I’m very much in the throes of young family life, and he’s much more in the kind of throes of looking after grandchildren.”
Ms Sloane has also handed former Liberal leader Mark Speakman the education portfolio, citing his passion for the issue as a key factor in her decision. “Mark has a passion in education, and I think this is going to be an election-critical issue for us,” she said.
Meanwhile, the Nationals have lost a frontbench seat, but gained crucial portfolios in health and small business. Nationals leader Gurmesh Singh hailed the move as a win for regional areas, saying, “These are two very important portfolios for the Nationals and two very important portfolios for regions.”
However, not everyone is celebrating, with several MPs demoted from the shadow ministry, including Liberals Robyn Preston, Aileen MacDonald, and Adam Crouch, and Nationals MP Geoff Provest. Dugald Saunders, who quit as Nationals leader in November, has also not made a return to the front bench.
“Dugald asked for, when he stepped down, time to concentrate on himself and his family and that’s what we’ve given him now,” Mr Singh said.
As the NSW opposition gears up for the next election, Ms Sloane’s new shadow cabinet is set to play a crucial role in the battle for power. With a mix of experience, youth, and fresh perspectives, the Liberals are hoping to take on the government and win.