A NSW state MP who lives in the Northern Rivers, which was ravaged by unprecedented floods in early 2022, has been named Parliamentary Secretary for Disaster Recovery. 

MP for Lismore Janelle Saffin has been described as a fierce advocate for her community’s recovery. 

The NSW Government says the appointment marks another stage in the new Government’s reset of the Northern Rivers disaster recovery response. 

Premier Chris Minns met Northern Rivers’ mayors and MPs in June to discuss their concerns and talk about the reconstruction program. The Labor Government came to power in March. 

The NSW Reconstruction Authority continues to report to the Minister for Planning and the Minister for Emergency Services, now supported by Ms Saffin. 

Mr Minns also announced NSW Reconstruction Authority CEO Simon Draper as the new secretary of the Premier’s Department.  

Mr Draper’s experience is designed to boost the Premier’s Department’s whole-of-government disaster response coordination role and the department’s focus on supporting frontline agencies to deliver for communities. He will assume the role on September 1. 

Mr Draper will continue as NSW Reconstruction Authority CEO as the state enters the summer bushfire season.  

“A leader of Simon’s calibre qualifies him to head both the NSW Premier’s Department and continue his critical stewardship of the state’s disaster recovery and reconstruction efforts,” Mr Minns said. 

He also welcomed Ms Saffin to the parliamentary secretary role. 

“Janelle is a tireless advocate for her community and, having personally faced a devastating natural disaster and its aftermath, I can think of no-one better for this role.”