Roozendaal named as new NSW Ports Minister

Mr Roozendaal, who will remain in his current post as Treasurer, was formerly the Minister for Ports and Waterways for six months between Aug 2005 and Feb 2006.

“My previous experience in this portfolio allows me to get on with the job straight away, delivering improved ports infrastructure to strengthen our economy,” Mr Roozendaal said.  He added: “Last financial year, NSW’s three ports – Port Botany, Port Kembla and the Port of Newcastle – all had record trade volumes, combined worth an estimated $76 billion. Ports are our economic gateway and the backbone of our economy.”

The Treasurer will continue to implement the NSW Government’s ports policy and he will be briefed by officials after he is sworn in as the Minister for Ports and Waterways, a spokesman for the Treasurer said.

Immediate industry reaction was favourable. “Sydney Ports Corporation welcomes the swift action by the NSW Government on the announcement of Treasurer Roozendaal who adds Ports and Waterways to his existing cabinet responsibilities,” commented Grant Gilfillan, CEO of Sydney Ports Corporation.  Mr Gilfillan added: “The Treasurer is well across the issues in the Ports portfolio having served previously as Minister for Ports and Waterways and more recently as a Shareholder of Sydney Ports Corporation. Sydney Ports looks forward to no loss of continuity in working with Treasurer Roozendaal on all our major projects, including the implementation of PBLIS regulations which are well underway.”

Meanwhile, Paul Zalai, manager of Freight and Business Operations at the Customs Brokers & Forwarders Council of Australia commented: “The appointment makes a lot of sense as he is familiar with key stakeholders and issues, having previously held the Ports portfolio. His last real involvement was during October 2005 where he supported industry in seeking remedial action from the then Howard-led Federal Government over the Customs Integrated Cargo System (ICS) implementation. The Minister therefore has a considerable appreciation of the international freight supply chain and the need to get appropriate reforms in place. To that end the CBFCA looks forward to engaging with him on PBLIS.”

However, not all comment was favourable. One observer downplayed the appointment, remarking that Premier Keneally has merely dispersed the duties of the former Minister in the run up to the election.  

Picture credit - Crown Copyright, Parliament of New South Wales