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Australia news live: Lismore MP promoted in NSW cabinet reshuffle; police seize Brett Whiteley art and luxury yacht from crime syndicate

Lismore MP to lead flood recovery as Minns reshuffles cabinet

A veteran MP has landed a state cabinet posting and responsibility for leading disaster recovery efforts after becoming a key voice for local communities devastated by floods, AAP reports.

Lismore MP Janelle Saffin will enter the inner circle of NSW premier Chris Minns’ government as part of a reshuffle sparked by a minister’s resignation over her use of a taxpayer-funded car.

Saffin has been a high-profile advocate for the region following record-breaking floods in 2022 that left thousands of homes uninhabitable or damaged. The Labor veteran was first elected to state parliament in 1995 and also served a six-year stint as the federal member for Page.

Saffin has been given a newly created post as recovery minister, and will also take on the portfolios of small business and minister for the north coast.

A woman on a flooded street in Lismore this month
A woman on a flooded street in Lismore this month. Photograph: AAP/Reuters

John Graham has also been permanently given the role of transport minister, leaving him responsible for handling a bitter dispute with rail workers over pay.

Graham has been acting in the role after his predecessor Jo Haylen resigned from the portfolio after using her ministerial car to travel from a holiday home to a winery for lunch and for other private trips.

He will keep his role negotiating with private toll operator Transurban to overhaul pricing on Sydney’s sprawling network of motorways. He will also keep his responsibilities as special minister of state, minister for the arts, minister for music and minister for night-time economy.

Roads will become the responsibility of Jenny Aitchison, whose existing portfolio of regional roads will be absorbed into the ministry.

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Chalmers is pointed to reports in media outlets over alleged corruption and criminal behaviour in the CFMEU.

He calls the revelations “horrifying” and says relevant matters have been referred to the police.

Clearly this shows how important it is the government has taken such decisive steps when it comes to the CFMEU. There is clearly not just unacceptable but horrifying behaviour uncovered again.

It’s why we appointed the administrator, why we’ve taken a tough stance and it’s why my colleague Murray Watt has referred as I understand that the relevant matters to the police.

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