Shadow Minister for Regional Education will focus on ECEC in Cabinet reshuffle

The Coalition government has made changes to its Shadow Ministry, with The Hon. Darren Chester, Member for Gippsland, to become Shadow Minister for Regional Education.

Among other responsibilities, Mr Chester will focus on key regional issues such as better local access to childcare (sic.) and education opportunities as part of the regional education portfolio, Coalition Leader Peter Dutton explained. 

“I’m excited by the opportunity to serve in this new role and I’m looking forward to consulting widely with community leaders across regional Australia, as we develop our positive policies for the future,” Mr Chester said. 

“I will bring my experience in government and opposition to the shadow ministry and focus on delivering policies, programs and services that improve the lives of people who choose to live outside our capital cities.”

National Party Leader David Littleproud said Mr Chester had extensive experience as a former government Minister and a deep understanding of issues facing regional, rural and remote communities.

“Darren is a very experienced representative for regional Australia. He understands the issues facing regional communities and local government and will be a strong advocate in the face of Labor’s severe budget cuts to regional Australia,” Mr Littleproud said.

Image credit: Samuel Edwards