KEIRA MP and former teacher Ryan Park has been promoted to opposition spokesman for education.
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In addition, Mr Park, who previously handled responsibilities for roads, has also been appointed to the job of opposition spokesman for the Illawarra.
"This is certainly an exciting opportunity," Mr Park said of his promotion.
"My background, as everyone would know, is in education. I'm a teacher by profession. I then went on and did a masters in education and worked extensively right across the profession.
"It's probably a dream of mine to one day be an education minister."
Opposition Leader John Robertson had previously been Illawarra spokesman while retiring Carmel Tebbutt had the education portfolio.
"She's been a fantastic shadow minister and former minister for education and she'll be someone who I'll be speaking to extensively over the coming days, weeks and months as I work through the portfolio," Mr Park said.
He said being a local member in the region was part of the reason Mr Robertson had appointed him to the Illawarra portfolio.
"I think it's important that a local is in these roles, both as a minister and a shadow minister.
"I think, when you're talking about regional portfolios, they're the best people positioned to advocate for their region. I can assure Illawarra locals that I will be a very strong voice around the shadow cabinet table arguing the Illawarra's case."
Mr Park also said he would not let the education portfolio overshadow his Illawarra responsibilities.
"I've handled the shadow minister for roads portfolio, which is also a challenging one, while still being able to advocate for my community and I don't see any difference in this one," he said.
He said he sees lots of opportunities given that the university and TAFE are leading economic and social drivers in the Illawarra.