Rees to have a 'red hot go' at fixing NSW
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Mr Rees says he recognises people are annoyed and frustrated with the State Government. (AAP: Sergio Dionisio)
The political landscape in New South Wales has changed completely in the space of a day, with Morris Iemma quitting politics and Nathan Rees being sworn in as the state's 41st Premier.
Earlier today, Treasurer Michael Costa confirmed that he had been sacked by Morris Iemma, but then Mr Iemma himself resigned when his right faction refused to approve his plans for a ministerial reshuffle and policy reform.
Carmel Tebbutt has been sworn in as Deputy Premier, but Mr Rees will not name his new front bench until Sunday at the earliest, however he has revealed that Mr Costa will not be a part of it.
Mr Rees says he recognises people are annoyed and frustrated with the State Government and he plans to make immediate changes.
He has given his first media conference as Premier and says change is needed in the state and he wants people to know that process begins today.
"It is no secret that on occasions, the administration has let you down," he said.
"You are right to feel frustrated, you are right to feel annoyed, you are right to feel disappointed. On occasions you are right to feel angry.
"Every waking hour that I have I will be giving you the effort you deserve.
"I will be having a red hot go at fixing the problems in New South Wales."
Mr Rees says the first task of his administration will be to address the state's economic position, which the outgoing treasurer Mr Costa says is threatened by a collapse in revenues.
"My commitment to the fiscal integrity of New South Wales, to the fiscal responsibility that we have demonstrated as a government, is unwavering and will not be diminished," he said.
"That is a fundamental commitment, and is the platform upon which we will base delivery of all our other services."
But NSW Opposition Leader Barry O'Farrell says the Government has lost the public's trust because of all the internal bloodletting.
Mr O'Farrell says he will not be surprised if more Government members resign in the coming days.
"There are other losers today," he said.
"There are people who are unhappy in Labor's team.
"People who are either being forced out by Morris Iemma, or who will miss out on ministerial preferment.
"I'm concerned that it won't only be Lakemba and Ryde that has by-elections on October 18, there may well be more."
Mr Rees has only been in Government since March last year and he was immediately elevated to the frontbench.
He has previously worked as a greenskeeper, a garbage man and also as the chief of staff for the convicted paedophile Milton Orkopoulos.
