Shared services are likely to play an even greater role in the newly voted NSW Liberal Government as the recently sworn-in premier, Barry O'Farrell, announced his new cabinet this week.
In an announcement of 22 cabinet members making up the "super ministries" foreshadowed early on Sunday, O'Farrell said a government-wide review of state government departments would introduce "new-look" additions, including Finances and Services, Mental Health and Healthy Lifestyles. The new finances and services department would likely expand or follow on from the existing shared services arrangements under the former government.
Some government departments were keen to progress with plans laid out by the Keneally Government, with Transport NSW accelerating its own internal movements to consolidate IT support staff.
There are two newly-elected members of parliament in O'Farrell's first cabinet, with Maitland MP, Robyn Parker, becoming Environment and Heritage Minister and Graham Annesley, MP for Miranda, becoming Sport and Recreation Minister.
Victor Dominello, the Ryde MP, becomes Minister for Citizenship, Communities and Aboriginal Affairs.
None of the trio were members of the shadow ministry.
The closest counterpart to Labor MP, Paul Lynch, who oversaw many of the ICT policy issues under the former government, would likely be Deputy Premier, Andrew Stoner, who was announced to head up Trade and Investment, Regional Infrastructure and Services. Previous minister for Industry, Duncan Gay, was elevated to take care of the roads ministry as part of the announcement.
Jillian Skinner and Gladys Berejiklian retain the portfolios they held in opposition; health and transport respectively.
O'Farrell has in the past promised not to exceed 22 ministers on the front bench - the same number the coalition had in opposition.
Five regional ministers will be appointed, aimed at "repaying the faith" of voters across NSW. There will be a minister for the North Coast (Don Page), the Central Coast (Chris Hartcher), western NSW (Kevin Humphries), the Hunter (Mike Gallacher) and Illawarra (Greg Pearce).
O'Farrell will continue to oversee western Sydney.
With AAP
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