Our local representative in Federal Parliament, Kevin Hogan has been given a promotion.

Yesterday, MP Hogan was in Canberra, being sworn in as the Assistant Minister to the Deputy Prime Minister, Michael McCormack.

Mr Hogan, who returned home to the Northern Rivers today, said he was “humbled” to be asked to contribute more in his new role, but that his first priority will always be, as the Member for Page. 

“I’m looking forward to the challenges and learning new things,” he said. “I’ve done the deputy speaker role for a few years and it will be good to mix it up."

His new role the covers the ministry areas of infrastructure and regional development, as well as transport.

“Infrastructure is the big one,” he said. “It includes grant programs like Building Better Regions, which is something we get here that helps us. 

“I’ll be helping to fulfil the Deputy Prime Minister’s responsibilities.

“I’m organising a meeting with him on Monday to see how we will divvy it up the work and share responsibilities.

“I’ve known him for about ten years now and I’ve worked with him - he was in parliament when I got there.

“One of the joys of this job is learning about people.”

MP Hogan has been in politics as an MP for six years now. 

Before politics, he was in Sydney working as a money manager in financial markets, a school teacher in Casino, a farmer and an investment officer in Super funds. 

While the highest rank he could rise to would be Deputy Prime Minister, he said “I don’t focus on that”.

“I do the best job I can and I’m looking forward to the portfolio involvement this role will bring,” he said.

He said the new role would mean he would be travelling a bit more. 

“I might not be here as much as I used to be, as I’ll need to visit other MPs in their patches and look at their projects and proposals,” he said.

“Without the support of our local community here, I would not have the opportunity to serve and represent us.”