Luke Foley Becomes Leader of the NSW Opposition

7 January 2015:

On 5 January, Luke Foley MLC became the Leader of the NSW Opposition in an uncontested ballot. This change follows the resignation of former leader, John Robertson, who stood down after it emerged he had written a letter in his capacity as the Member for Blacktown supporting Sydney siege gunman, Man Haron Monis.

Foley now faces a contest for the Lower House seat of Auburn at the State Election on March 28. In his first address, Foley stated: “My priorities as leader will be to create new jobs in all of our suburbs and regions, invest in our hospitals, schools and TAFE, and protect our natural environment.” These were themes that he reiterated on 6 January at the release of his Shadow Cabinet.

The new Shadow Cabinet includes Jodi McKay as Shadow Minister for Planning and reallocates the portfolios of John Robertson and Barbara Perry, following their request not to be considered for the Shadow Ministry. A number of additional minor changes have also been made.

For further information, see Luke Foley’s first address as leader and the full NSW Shadow Cabinet list.