Gareth Ward being sworn in as Minister for Families, Communities and Disability Services

The Member for Kiama, Gareth Ward, has been sworn in as the Minister for Families, Communities and Disability Services, following the re-election of the Berejiklian Government.

“It’s an enormous task I’ve been entrusted with,” he told The Bugle in between briefings at his new office in Martin Place.

“It is a big and tough portfolio, with much to understand.

“I am going to trust the agencies and the department and stand behind them.

I’m an incrementalist, rather than someone who is going to come in with sweeping change.”

No Parliamentary Secretary for the Illawarra was appointed into his old role.

“There are three South Coast members now sitting in Cabinet, and I can assure you the interests of the South Coast are going to be well and truly looked after.”

Despite a strong campaign by Labor, Mr Ward was the first candidate to win all the booths in a State election

“It is a very humbling experience,” he says.

“I want to assure the people of Kiama that the most important job for me will always being the Member for Kiama.

“I won’t be in town quite so much, but I will always be contactable.”