Mark Speakman
NSW Leader of the Opposition
Natalie Ward
Deputy Liberal Leader
Shadow Minister for Transport and Roads
Chris Rath
Shadow Minister for the Illawarra and South Coast
Shadow Minister for Local Government
Shadow Special Minister of State
The NSW Opposition has today announced the appointment of Chris Rath MLC as the new Shadow Minister for the Illawarra and South Coast, taking over from Deputy Liberal Leader Natalie Ward, who has held the role since the 2023 election.
Mr Rath will take on the position in addition to his current responsibilities as Shadow Minister for Local Government and Shadow Special Minister of State.
Born and raised in Wollongong, Chris attended school in the Illawarra before moving to Sydney to study at the University of Sydney, where he completed a Bachelor of Economics and a Master of Management.
Leader of the Opposition Mark Speakman said the appointment reflects the Opposition's focus on the Illawarra and South Coast and its commitment to holding the Minns Labor Government to account.
"Natalie Ward has been an outstanding advocate for the Illawarra and South Coast. She has built strong local connections and has ensured the region's priorities are heard. Her contribution has been significant and deeply appreciated.
"Chris Rath was born in Wollongong and understands the values that define this region. His energy and determination will ensure the Illawarra and South Coast continue to have a strong voice in the NSW Opposition," Mr Speakman said.
Deputy Liberal Leader and Shadow Minister for Transport and Roads Natalie Ward said the change will allow her to focus fully on Labor's growing list of transport and roads failures, while ensuring the Illawarra and South Coast remain a key priority.
"It has been a privilege to serve as Shadow Minister for the Illawarra and South Coast. The people of this region are proud, hardworking and community minded. They deserve a government that delivers.
This Labor Government is letting down the region where we have seen the Milton Ulladulla Bypass stall, reliability on the South Coast train line plummet and limited new investment in the Princes Highway.
Chris knows this area, appreciates its potential and understands what matters most to locals. I know he will continue to listen, engage, and stand up for the region every single day," Ms Ward said.
Shadow Minister for the Illawarra and South Coast Chris Rath MLC said he was proud to take on the role and is excited to reconnect with the community where he grew up.
"It is an honour to be appointed Shadow Minister for the Illawarra and South Coast. I was born and raised in the region, so the Illawarra and South Coast will always be my home. This region is full of people with strong values, a deep sense of pride and a love for their community.
From the escarpment to the sea, it's a place that defines the best of New South Wales.
I will be relocating to the region in the coming weeks and look forward to hitting the ground running, meeting locals and listening to their ideas about how we can make the Illawarra and South Coast stronger and more prosperous," Mr Rath said.
