September 11, 2009Michael Daley has been shifted from the all-important roads portfolio in the New South Wales Government, leaving the transport industry with another new minister to educate.
Daley has been put in charge of police in Premier Nathan Rees’ new-look cabinet, leaving behind road transport policy and a raft of unfinished trucking regulation after just 12 months in the job.
Transport Minister David Campbell will pick up roads policy within his department, assisted by Housing Minister David Borger.
The reshuffle merges the traditionally separate ministries of roads and transport, which is primarily concerned with public transport policy.
Transport policy has been destabilised by a high turn-over of roads ministers in recent years. Daley took over from current Treasurer Eric Roozendaal, who himself spent less than two years in the job and had a difficult relationship with some transport groups.
In total, four ministers have served in the roads portfolio stretching back to Michael Costa and the controversial Carl Scully in 2005.
In a cover story for the latest
ATN magazine, Daley spoke of the need to engage with industry and seek feedback on policy like fatigue management and on-road enforcement.
"We shouldn't be over-zealous about it," he said of enforcement. "We want to be fair and change behaviour, not put people out of business."
He won mostly praise speaking to the recent NatRoad annual conference, taking the time to talk to operators after his speech.
The latest ministerial moves were prompted by the resignation of John Della Bosca as health spokesperson, quitting in scandal after revelations of an affair.
Deputy Premier Carmel Tebbutt has taken over health responsibilities in a government low in the polls but not facing re-election until 2011.
For more reaction to the reshuffle, including what industry will make of new roads minister David Campbell, tune into Fullyloaded.com.au on Monday.What did you think of Michael Daley as roads minister? Are you concerned about the impact of yet another minister? Send us the inside word on e-mail, leave your public comments on the discussion board below, or join the debate on Twitter by following @atnmag.