Melinda Pavey to lose ministerial roles in cabinet reshuffle

Ms Pavey, Special Minister of State Don Harwin and Local Government Minister Shelley Hancock will all be replaced in their roles with Mr Harwin and Ms Hancock both telling Mr Perrottet they do not want to be considered for a role in the reshuffle and will not contest the next election.

On Saturday evening, it was confirmed long-serving Nationals MP Melinda Pavey had been dumped from cabinet after holding roles as Minister for Water, Property and Housing.

Ms Pavey, the most senior woman in the lower house, said in a statement that she would continue to serve for her party.

"As the Member for Oxley, my most important work is representing the constituents of the four Valleys. I proudly represent the region in the NSW Parliament and have shared electoral duties with that of a ministerial role," the statement read.

"However, this afternoon I received a call from Deputy Premier and Leader of the NSW Nationals, Paul Toole, indicating I will not continue as a Minister in the newly formed cabinet.

"While I'm disappointed, I respect the decision made.

"My enormous thanks to all the industry groups who have supported me through the various ministerial portfolios of Roads, Transport, Water and Housing.

"I took the Water Ministry during the worst drought on record, and to this end I thank the Menindee community for welcoming me under much duress. I hope the incredible work in the water space, especially regarding coastal harvestable rights and in redefining the narrative on behalf of farmers, continues. It's also important the final business cases of the Wyangala and Dungowan dams, as well the Regional Water Strategies are carried through to fruition.

"I hope the incoming Minister for Housing continues to transform, old, tired social housing estates across the State including in Coffs Harbour, Wagga Wagga and Albury. The record amount of public housing being constructed is a legacy I am deeply proud of, and I promise to continue to fight for the Aboriginal land housing tenants who would like to buy their homes.

"My first ministerial portfolio was Roads and Maritime, and here my legacy is cemented - regional councils have received half a billion dollars to fix roads, and another half a billion dollars to replace country timber bridges.

"As the longest serving National Party MP in Australia, I'm determined to keep contributing on behalf of my constituents and the grassroots members of the National Party. I will also work to ensure success at the next election."

Ms Pavey had previously run for the position of NSW Leader of the Nationals Party after John Barilaro resigned from his role in October.

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