Chris Minns has been sworn in as NSW’s 47th Premier but his new government has suffered a surprising setback as vote counting resumes
- Chris Minns has been sworn in as the 47th Premier of New South Wales
- He was sworn in along with seven members of his cabinet
- The counting of votes indicates that he will run a minority government
Chris Minns has been sworn in as the 47th premier of New South Wales – with the vote count from Saturday’s election indicating he will lead a minority government despite earlier expectations that it would govern itself.
The Labor leader and seven members of his cabinet were sworn in by New South Wales Governor Margaret Paisley at Government House on Tuesday.
Aside from Means, Pro Car was sworn in as the new Deputy Prime Minister, Daniel Mokhi as Treasurer, Joe Hylen as Transport Minister, John Graham as Roads Minister, Penny Sharp as Environment Minister and Ryan Park as Health Minister.
Mrs. Beasley congratulated the new ministers and commented that the change of government was a “historic moment”.
Mr. Means and Mrs. Carr spoke after the ceremony.
Chris Minns is sworn in as the 47th Premier of New South Wales (pictured with NSW Governor Margaret Paisley)
“We have a great responsibility and work begins today,” he said.
“Counting continues in many key seats, and we do not know the final composition of the next parliament, but my team and I are ready.”
Mr Means also shared the moment on his social media, writing: “Officially the 47th Premier of New South Wales.”
“Unbelievable honor, now the work is straight forward.”
It comes as the vote count is still in progress, with many seats close to being called.
Labor currently holds 45 seats and, in a setback for the new administration, still falls short of the 47 seats required to form a majority government.
The Labor leader and seven members of his cabinet were sworn in at Government House on Tuesday
The new cabinet includes Pro Car as new deputy prime minister, Daniel Mokhi as treasurer, Joe Hylen as transport minister, John Graham as roads minister, Penny Sharp as environment minister, and Ryan Park as health minister.
The findings suggest that the new prime minister may head a minority government nonetheless Previous predictions The ALP will reach a majority in the new parliament.
However, three independent members of Crossbench said they would provide Mr Means with “confidence and show” if he does not make up the necessary seats on Monday.
The seats for Goulburn, Haulsworthy, Kiama, Miranda, Ryde, Terrigal and Top Hunter are still in doubt, though the Nationals are likely to hold on to the Top Hunter.
About 60 percent of the votes have been counted so far.
Voters on Saturday abandoned the coalition after 12 years in power, and the crushing electoral defeat showed a massive shift to Labour.
Means pledged to overhaul the state’s road system, provide more social and affordable housing, increase numbers of health care workers, end the privatization of state assets and return to a state-owned energy company.
Unions in New South Wales have called on the state’s new Labor government to raise public sector wages and scrap the 3 per cent coalition wage cap.
Means said the wage cap will be an urgent priority for his new government, and he will meet with unions to work on the “next stage forward”.
