Premier Dominic Perrottet has expanded the portfolio of the Hon. Ben Franklin MLC in the NSW Cabinet, adding the role of Minister for Tourism to his responsibility for Aboriginal Affairs, the Arts and Regional Youth.
Mr Franklin was elected to the NSW Parliament’s Legislative Council in 2015. He has served as Parliamentary Secretary for several portfolios including Renewable Energy and Northern NSW. In 2021, he was appointed Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, the Arts and Regional Youth.
Mr Franklin is based on the NSW Far North Coast.
Mr Perrottet announced earlier this week that Mr Franklin and two other NSW Government Ministers would have their portfolios expanded following the resignation of Stuart Ayres from the NSW Cabinet.
“These Ministers have a proven track record of serving the people of NSW and I have full confidence that they have the experience to take on these additional responsibilities,” Mr Perrottet said.
Destination NSW CEO Steve Cox said: “I would like to acknowledge Stuart Ayres’ support of Destination NSW during his time as Minister, which was a key enabler of a number of achievements including development of the Visitor Economy Strategy 2030, securing the first Aviation Attraction Fund for NSW and supporting our stakeholders throughout the pandemic.
“Destination NSW looks forward to working with Minister Franklin and his team as we continue to deliver economic and social benefits to the people of NSW by growing the visitor economy.”
The Hon. Alister Henskens SC MP is assuming the additional portfolios of Minister for Enterprise, Investment and Trade and Minister for Sport. He is currently the Minister for Skills and Training and Minister for Science, Innovation and Technology.
The Minister for Transport and Minister for Veterans Affairs, the Hon. David Elliott MP, is assuming the additional portfolio of Minister for Western Sydney.