Mr Grant, the Member for Dubbo, was one of the big winners in the cabinet announced yesterday by new State Premier, Mike Baird.

Mr Grant was named as the new Minister for Hospitality, Gaming and Racing as well as Minister for the Arts. 

He takes over the portfolios from Nationals counterpart George Souris.

Bathurst MP Paul Toole was also promoted, taking on the role of Minister for Local Government.

Premier Baird said Troy Grant and Paul Toole had been promoted into Cabinet and had the talent and background to excel in their new portfolios.

Mr Grant was still overwhelmed when contacted yesterday by the Champion Post

“I have been with my family in Queensland for Easter and did not have any idea of this appointment,” he said. “I’m overwhelmed.   I received a phone call last night from Deputy Premier, Andrew Stoner and it completely took me by surprise.

“I’m very humbled by the appointment.  It has come about through terrible circumstances, but I feel very privileged that they have the faith in me to do the job.

“I feel like I have been handed a rep jumper for Origin.”

Mr Grant said his new role was not without its challenges, with the new liquor laws and lock-out policies just introduced.

“I will have responsibility for all the hospital areas, casinos, betting, the Arts including the Opera House, Screen NSW which looks after all the movies and TV shows being produced - it is a very interesting portfolio.”

Mr Grant said he had no inkling that he was in line for a Ministerial position.

“There was speculation that my name was being discussed. I was informed that I had worked hard and been recognised for my efforts and they believed I could make a contribution.  Hopefully I can now deliver. 

“I am a trained licensing sergeant from my time in the police force, and have a keen interest in the arts, although I can’t sing or dance,” he said.

Mr Grant was only elected as the state Member three years ago, and held the position of Parliamentary Secretary National Resources, which is now an actual Ministry.

He will be sworn in by Governor Marie Bashir at 10am this morning, accompanied by his wife, Toni and children, Taylor and Hamish.

Briefings will follow, and then a Cabinet meeting at 2pm, followed by a Nationals Party meeting.

“I’ll be back in the electorate for the Anzac Day celebrations.

“Interestingly I was attending the Tomingley Picnic Races this Saturday as the local Member.  Now it will be as the Minister for Gaming and Racing.”

Mr Grant said it would not be possible to appointed for such a role without the strong support of his family and the communities he serves.

“Especiallty communities like Parkes which has been very helpful and supportive,” he added.

“I will have more responsibility, be required to attend more events, and have a greater role in Cabinet.

“But I will still be the local Member based in Dubbo.”

Local State Member for Dubbo, Troy Grant has welcomed new NSW Premier, Mike Baird - at the same time, lamenting the shock resignation of Barry O’Farrel.

“I have offered my congratulations to the newly elected 44th Premier of New South Wales, Mike Baird,” he said. 

 “I, like most of the NSW community, was shocked and saddened at the sudden resignation of Barry O’Farrell.  

“Over the last three years, he and his Cabinet team have been very supportive of the Dubbo Electorate. Our electorate has seen a record number of Ministerial visits and a record amount of funding for hospitals, schools, roads and community infrastructure as we began turning around the fortunes of NSW. 

“With Mr O’Farrell’s support, I was able to deliver on my 37 election promises to the community, putting the Dubbo Electorate and Region at the front of the Government’s mind after a decade of neglect.

“Mr O’Farrell has earned my respect and admiration from both a professional and personal level by setting the highest standards of integrity and transparency,” Mr Grant said.

“I was proud to serve with him and under his leadership. He has placed our sate and the communities of NSW in a stronger position and I will be forever grateful to him.

“As recently as February, Mr O’Farrell spent time with me in the Electorate.”

Mr Grant said the electorate was well placed with new Premier Mike Baird.  

“Mike has been a strong supporter not only of my electorate, but also of me personally during my time in Parliament,” he added.

“We have become very close colleagues and our friendship extends to our wives Kerryn and Toni.  

“Mike is one of the most capable, genuine, honourable and decent men I have met. We share many values and a desire to serve our communities well.

“I am very confident that under his leadership and with the support of his Cabinet and parliamentary colleagues, New South Wales is in prosperous hands with a very bright future.

“He has much work to do, as we all do as Members of the NSW government to ensure we continue to turn the state’s fortunes around and continue to deliver for our communities.

“Along with my family, I thank Barry, Rosemary and their sons for their friendship and support. 

“We wish Mike, Kerryn and their children all the very best as they enter an exciting and privileged part of their lives.”