New role as Health Minister

Woy Woy Bay resident Mr John Della Bosca has been appointed Minister for Health and Minister for the Central Coast in the new cabinet of Premier Mr Nathan Rees.

Mr Della Bosca was sworn into his new position at Government House in Sydney on September 8.

The newly-appointed NSW State Cabinet followed the resignation of former NSW Premier Mr Morris Iemma on September 5.

Mr Della Bosca returns to the front bench after being suspended as Education Minister more than three months ago, following allegations of abusing his position and influencing the content of witnesses' statutory declaration about the events at Gosford's Iguanas Waterfront Bar and Nighclub.

Staff at the Gosford restaurant and nightclub had claimed Mr Della Bosca and his wife Member for Robertson Ms Belinda Neal abused and threatened them at an outing on June 6.

Police and the Director of Public Prosecutions announced earlier in the month that there was "insufficient evidence" to support any criminal charges against Mr Della Bosca and Ms Neal.

Now cleared, Mr Della Bosca said it was a privilege to be appointed to the cabinet of the new Rees Labor Government.

"The Government was elected to deliver improved services to NSW families and that will be my focus," Mr Della Bosca said.

"Health is a very challenging portfolio and I will be getting a full briefing from NSW Health.

"I also want to get out and visit hospitals, ambulance stations and the full range of health facilities to talk with doctors, nurses, staff and the families who use our services.

"I am also very keen to get on with the job of working with my colleagues to secure greater investment for the Central Coast.

"I now look forward to a new era of government and a fresh start under Premier Nathan Rees."

Clare Graham, 11 Sep 2008 Press release, 8 Sep 2008 John Della Bosca, Minister for Health and Minister for the Central Coast