The cabinet reshuffle following the appointment of Mike Baird as the new NSW Premier has seen both Hunter ministers dumped and the region left with no representation in the ministry. The decision has not been well received locally from a range of quarters, including business.

There has been particular disappointment that the Minister for the Hunter Ministry will now be Member for Willoughby Gladys Berejiklian. Irrespective of Ms Berejiklian’s abilities, it is difficult to see that the Hunter will receive proper representation from Sydney compared to a Minister that is locally based, has a more intimate understanding of the region and is more directly answerable at the ballot box for their performance as Minister for the Hunter.