Central Goldfields Shire administrators are hopeful the inclusion of their federal member into Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s outer ministry will improve the plight of the shire.
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Member for Mallee Andrew Broad was on Sunday appointed assistant minister to the deputy prime minister.
His responsibilities will include assisting with infrastructure, transport and regional development alongside Deputy Prime Minister, Michael McCormack.
“These are the things that make regions grow and all of those three areas do fit hand in glove with the concerns raise around the Central Goldfields,” Mr Broad said.
He said being in the cabinet will give him a greater influence on where money went, which could be seen as an advantage, but cabinet ministers also had more responsibilities, which, he believed, could be considered a disadvantage by some.
“There’s only 24 hours in a day….I’ll certainly do my best,” he said.
Central Goldfields Shire’s chief administrator Noel Harvey said while the move might make Mr Broad busier, it should be viewed as a positive overall.
“We’re looking forward for him to raise those issues (within the municipality) at a higher level,” he said.
The shire was recently moved from the seat of Wannon into Mallee as part of an electoral boundary reshuffle by the Australian Electoral Commission.
Member for Wannon Dan Tehan was the minister for human services in the Turnbull era, and was appointed minister for education in the Morrison cabinet.
Mr Broad will open an office in Maryborough after the next federal election, when funds will be available.
The deadline for a general election is May 2019.