It was a heady week for Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall, as the 32-year-old state representative was chosen as part of new NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian’s fresh-faced Cabinet.
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Mr Marshall was sworn in as NSW Minister for Tourism and Major Events and Assistant Minister for Skills on Monday.
Before he took the oath, the new Assistant Minister was already pushing up his sleeves to work alongside Deputy Premier and Minister for Skills John Barilaro.
“In the skills role, I want to work closely with the Deputy Premier to ensure the government and TAFE works with industry to overcome the biggest challenge of not having enough skilled people to fill the jobs being created,” Mr Marshall said in a statement on Sunday.
“This is a critical portfolio for the continued economic growth of the state and country NSW.”
The local response was welcoming for the incoming Assistant Skills Minister.
“In the few times that we’ve sat down and we’ve spoken about skills and TAFE and employment opportunities and how people can actually improve their lives and improve their work skills, Adam’s been very passionate about that,” Inverell mayor Paul Harmon said.
Cr Harmon met with the MP brought Mr Barilaro to Inverell to meet with students and staff from TAFE Inverell, and said Mr Marshall’s interest in skills-building toward finding jobs was evident.
“I think that’s going to be great for our area, again, for our TAFE and for our employers here in our whole Inverell shire,” he said.
Country areas west of the great divide often struggle to be heard and understood in the cities, where decisions are made.
- Community Colleges Northern Inland executive officer Lynne Sheather
Acting TAFE New England director, John Michael, also welcomed the news of the appointment of Adam Marshall to his position as Assistant Minister.
“We know that students, and employers, expect that they will have the opportunity to learn the skills they need, to get the job they want, without having to leave their community,” Mr Michaels said.
“A local Member, who understands the complexities of regional areas, in this position, is very positive news for our students.”
Community College Northern Inland executive officer Lynne Sheather equally endorsed Mr Marshall’s appointment, saying as a born and bred countryman, he understood the local needs.
“That’s what is great about this appointment – to sustain our rural communities we need funding for skills development in programmes tailored to the needs of our environment,” Ms Sheather said.
“Country areas west of the great divide often struggle to be heard and understood in the cities, where decisions are made. Having Adam as the Assistant Minister, we know he will admirably represent us.”