Premier Kristina Keneally appointed Mr Roozendaal to the role on Friday, defying expectations that a backbencher from the region would be promoted.

He adds the responsibilities to those of Treasurer and Minister for State and Regional Development as well as Ports and Waterways, to which he was appointed last week.

The busy upper house MP would not say how often he planned to visit the region, but said he would be a regular drop-in at his new Wollongong office.

"I'll have a physical presence on the ground so I can get those face-to-face briefings which I think are very important to understanding the region's challenges," Mr Roozendaal said yesterday.

"The decision of the Premier indicates she takes the region very seriously - she wants it to be represented by the most senior minister to ensure it has a strong voice when arguing for funding, support and recognition.

"My other portfolios put the Illawarra in a unique position to get its fair share of funding."

Soon after being sworn in at Sydney's Government House, Mr Roozendaal travelled to Wollongong to be briefed by regional MPs.

A sheepish Paul McLeay was there to relinquish the Illawarra portfolio - his first official engagement since resigning from the ministry in disgrace last week.

Seeking voter redemption for the porn internet scandal which has derailed his re-election chances, the Heathcote MP conceded the thought of quitting politics had entered his mind in the days following the scandal.

But he reiterated his decision to recontest the seat in March and prove his worth as a local member.

"It's only human to take pause, consider these things and weigh up your options, but I have the strong support of my family, my colleagues and people in my electorate," Mr McLeay said.

Mr Roozendaal dismissed Opposition claims that his appointment demonstrated a "lack of talent" among government backbenchers.

But South Coast Liberal MP Shelley Hancock described his appointment as a "slap in the face" to Illawarra residents and claimed that the Keneally government had "run out of options and ideas" for the region.