Labor's Walt Secord has emerged as the big winner in a reshuffle by NSW Opposition Leader John Robertson after he was awarded the shadow health portfolio following the decision by Macquarie Fields MP Andrew McDonald to retire from politics at next year's election.
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Dr McDonald announced his decision to retire after eight years in the NSW Parliament on Thursday night.
He said his decision was "based on a desire to spend more time with my family - something that life in politics simply does not allow for".
Sam Moreton, a former Young Labor president who served as chief of staff to former treasurer Eric Roozendaal. is being tipped as a frontrunner for selection as Labor's candidate for Macquarie Fields in next year's election in March.
The position of health spokesman is one of the most high profile and crucial roles in the shadow cabinet and a significant promotion for Mr Secord, who retains responsibility for the north coast. He also inherits Dr McDonald's other responsibility of liquor regulation.
Mr Robertson has decided to not bring another MP into the shadow cabinet to replace Dr McDonald.
Instead, shadow treasurer Michael Daley will add Mr Secord's former portfolio of roads to his responsibilities.
Upper house MP Steve Whan will take on police from Mr Daley and retain primary industries, tourism, major events, hospitality and racing and rural water.
The deputy opposition leader in the upper house, Adam Searle, has been handed energy on top of his existing portfolio areas of industrial relations and small business.
Ron Hoenig inherits Mr Daley's former role as emergency services spokesman and retains ports.
In his announcement to Parliament, Dr McDonald, a paediatrician, said he would return to practice and clinical teaching in south-west Sydney.
He thanked Mr Robertson for his "guidance, support and friendship over the last five years. I wish him and the Labor team the best at the next election and beyond."
