Gareth Ward is now the parliamentary secretary for education and has vowed to be a passionate advocate for students and teachers.

Mr Ward, who is also the Member for Kiama, said he was a “strong supporter” of Gonski education reforms and a “proud product of public education”.

“I want to use this role to ensure that students in today’s classrooms have every opportunity to reach their full potential,” he said.

“Having been a student with a disability, I look forward to being a strong advocate for students that are walking the same path I did. I want them to know that they can be all they want to be.”

Education Minister Rob Stokes welcomed Mr Ward to his new role, saying he brought “great energy and dedication to our work in building an even better education system for future generations”.  

Mr Ward retains his existing role as parliamentary secretary for the Illawarra and South Coast.