Furolo resignation prompts ALP reshuffle

17 Oct 2012, 8:46 pm   -   Source: AAP

NSW Opposition leader John Robertson has used the resignation of Robert Furolo to promote four MPs to an expanded Labor front bench.

NSW Opposition leader John Robertson has used the resignation of roads spokesman Robert Furolo to promote four MPs to his front bench, including former Premier Kristina Keneally's spin doctor Walt Secord.

Mr Robertson on Wednesday night announced the new frontbenchers as part of a wider reshuffle - also elevating Ron Hoenig, the man who replaced Ms Keneally in parliament, Keira MP Ryan Park and Fairfield MP Guy Zangari.

Mr Robertson said his new team was "fresh, energetic and will take the fight up to Barry O'Farrell".

"I'm pleased to announce today that four of our newest and most energetic members of parliament will join my frontbench team - helping to rebuild Labor and take the fight up to the O'Farrell Government," Mr Robertson said in a statement.

Mr Park will take the vacated roads portfolio, while upper house MP Mr Secord will become Labor's water spokesman and shadow special minister of state.

Mr Hoenig, who only entered parliament in August after winning a by-election for Ms Keneally's inner Sydney seat, will take on the energy and ports portfolios.

Mr Zangari will be the opposition's citizenship and communities spokesman.

Luke Foley, environment spokesman and Labor's best performer in parliament, has picked up planning and infrastructure.

Deputy leader Linda Burney will now be the opposition family and community services spokeswoman - a ministerial portfolio she held in government - after Barbara Perry was stripped of the role.

"Luke hit the ground running from day one in the Opposition and will now stand toe to toe with (Planning Minister) Brad Hazzard as the O'Farrell government moves to take away planning powers from local communities," Mr Robertson said.

"Linda has always been a fierce advocate for disadvantaged communities and cares deeply about the wellbeing of our state's children. I can think of no one in Australia better suited to stand up against the O'Farrell government's cuts in this area."

Mr Furolo late on Tuesday night announced he was stepping away from the opposition front bench, saying "with two children growing up all too quickly, and having recently remarried, I have decided to step back".

His resignation came just days after Fairfax reported Labor MPs' discontent with the roads spokesman, who missed important budget estimates hearings because he was in Greece on his honeymoon.

His decision to quit the front bench was immediately interpreted as a vote of no confidence in Mr Robertson, with senior government minister Chris Hartcher saying it was a sign of "internal turmoil".

"What Robert Furolo is simply saying to John Robertson is, 'I don't have confidence in your leadership. I am taking my bat and ball and going home'," Mr Hartcher told ABC Radio.

In a statement issued after the Labor reshuffle, Mr Hartcher said "the backroom boys of the failed Labor government are now front and centre of the opposition front bench".

"Labor's faceless men are now out in the open running the opposition," Mr Hartcher said.

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