Freight Rail, Passenger Rail

Gee replaces Broad as McCormack’s assistant

Calare MP Andrew Gee is the newest member of Australia’s infrastructure leadership, after deputy prime minister Michael McCormack named Gee as his assistant, to replace Andrew Broad.

Gee will assist McCormack in his role as minister for infrastructure, transport and regional development.

Andrew Broad recently resigned from the post, and said he would not contest his seat of Mallee at the upcoming federal election, after a gossip magazine alleged the married MP had exchanged texts and had dinner with a woman he met on a dating website, during a business trip to Hong Kong.

Gee represents Calare, a federal division in Central West New South Wales which includes Mudgee, Dubbo, Orange, Bathurst and Lithgow.

McCormack credited Gee for years of delivering for the region, saying he would be an important asset in the infrastructure portfolio.

“Having worked with Andrew as we delivered the historic Murray-Darling Medical Schools network, I know when he is passionate about sticking up for country people and delivering local services and infrastructure, he is determined to deliver,” McCormack said.

“That’s what I want him to do as an Assistant Minister in our portfolio, as we roll out record funding for local roads, local infrastructure projects and keep regional Australia—with country voices in the Ministry—at the centre of our agenda in Government.”

Gee said he looked forward to the challenge.

“I am passionate about attracting jobs, opportunities and investment to the bush and am excited at the opportunity to serve on The Nationals’ frontbench in this new role,” Gee said.