“It has been an honour and a privilege to serve the people of NSW as a Minister of the Crown,” Ms Hodgkinson said.

“I now face a new challenge as the first dedicated government representative for Southern NSW.

“Since becoming an MP I have represented Southern NSW from Bungonia and Marulan now through to Naradhan and Narrandera, so I’m well acquainted with this beautiful part of the state.

Ms Hodgkinson said she had already identified a number of priorities to work on for Southern NSW in her new role, including upgrading and installing water infrastructure and improving access to health services.

“I’m also focussed on creating more job opportunities and improved telecommunications particularly to access online education,” she said.

“We’re fortunate in Southern NSW to have great local MPs and I’ll also assist them as required.”

Ms Hodgkinson reflected on the reforms she had made as a minister in her portfolios in regional NSW.

“It has been four years of great reform, that have delivered better regional services and restored the vision for the future of Primary Industries which had been lost,” Ms Hodgkinson said.

“Last year I released the highly anticipated NSW Agriculture Industry Action Plan, the first of its kind in the history of NSW agriculture and this was developed in collaboration between industry and government to ensure the future growth and global competitiveness of the $12 billion agricultural sector. 

The merging of the Department of Primary Industries, Livestock Health and Pest Authorities, and the Catchment Management Authorities to form Local Land Services was also among her memories.

As was securing $15 million over four years for Landcare, to renew the partnership between the NSW Government and Landcare NSW to improve and manage the natural environment.

And overseeing drought reform and introducing a pest control order for the European Red Fox.