Dubbo MP Troy Grant said he never dared believe he would become a member of cabinet in his first term but with his elevation this week, he is looking forward to helping the new Premier rejuvenate NSW.
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Mr Grant was named as the Minister for Hospitality, Gaming and Racing and Minister for the Arts after a cabinet reshuffle by premier Mike Baird.
"It's very humbling," Mr Grant said of the confidence Mr Baird has shown in him.
"I'm very excited to get the opportunity to work with the new Premier in cabinet. He's got a lot of good ideas to rejuvenate the state and I'm looking forward to being part of that."
Mr Grant takes over the Hospitality, Gaming and Racing portfolio from George Souris.
He said there has already been significant legislative change with the overhauling of the liquor licensing regime but there is still more work to be done.
"The hospitality industry is one that is constantly changing and there is always something happening," he said.
"With racing, the championships series at Royal Randwick shows what the industry can do to help the state and regionally there are a lot of opportunities.
"As for the arts, every strong community has a good arts program.
"The premier has a strong plan for NSW and my portfolios have a big role to play."
Mr Grant said he would consult with Mr Baird and Deputy Premier Andrew Stoner about the direction he will take with his new portfolios. Despite his new status, Mr Grant said he wouldn't forget about his obligations to the Dubbo electorate.
"I know how important it is for the electorate to remain in my focus. I expect the workload [for my new portfolios] to be similar to parliamentary secretary so I will still be able to represent the Dubbo electorate effectively."
Mr Grant was elected to parliament in 2011. He said his rise to cabinet in his first term had been unexpected.
"It was the farthest thing from my mind. I was really surprised to be named a parliamentary secretary from the beginning and that was a role I really enjoyed," he said.
"I was surprised and delighted just to get elected. The previous member Dawn Fardell had been had been a very popular member so that was a big moment and this is completely unexpected."
Bathurst MP Paul Toole joins Mr Grant on the front bench, after taking over the role of Minister for Local Government from Don Page.
There have been a number of significant changes. Mr Souris and Mr Page were two of four MPs who have been dumped from cabinet, along with former Attorney-General Greg Smith and Robyn Parker.
Deputy Liberal leader Gladys Berejiklian retains her transport role and Jillian Skinner will stay on as Health Minister. The biggest changes are Andrew Constance being appointed as treasurer, Brad Hazzard comes in as Attorney-General.
Pru Goward is the new Minister for Planning, while Gabrielle Upton takes her previous portfolio of Family and Community Services. Barwon MP Kevin Humphries is the new Minister for Land and Water.
Mr Grant and the rest of the new-look government were sworn in on Wednesday.
What do you think about Mr Grant getting a portfolio. Let us know by commenting below or emailing grace.ryan@fairfaxmedia.com.au
