Hon. Paul McLeay, MP appointed as Minister for NSW Ports and Waterways

6:14 AM Fri 20 Nov 2009 GMT

'NSW Ports and Waterways the Hon. Paul McLeay, MP with Boating Safety Officer Nick Richards' NSW Maritime Click Here to view large photo

NSW Maritime has a new Minister for Ports and Waterways, the Hon. Paul McLeay, MP.

NSW Maritime CEO Steve Dunn said having a Minister dedicated solely to the portfolio of Ports and Waterways will help make sure our core issues of boating safety, port logistics and maritime infrastructure are heard in Government.

'The Minister is very keen to build a strong relationship with Maritime, and visited the Kent Street offices (of NSW Maritime) within hours of his swearing in (on Tuesday 17 November),' Mr Dunn said. 'He met with Regional Managers and the Executive yesterday morning, and with the Ministerial Maritime Advisory Council in the afternoon.

'I understand he will also be looking to visit as many regional centres as possible in coming months, to meet with staff and get a detailed understanding of our operational issues.'

The Minister's electorate is Heathcote, on the southern fringe of Sydney - an area with a substantial boating community. Prior to entering Parliament, he was Assistant General Secretary of the Public Service Association and a director of the SGE Credit Union, and Nanbaree Child Care Centre.

maritime.nsw.gov.au

by Neil Patchett