New South Wales premier Chris Minns says the transfer of Investment NSW and its industry, innovation, trade, and investment functions to the premier’s department will return its work to the “centre of government”.
NSW Premier Chris Minns said that this front door of government would make it easier for industry, investors, and entrepreneurs to be involved in major government priorities, while also ensuring better coordination across government.
“The changes announced today bring structure and better co-ordination to important portfolios which together ensure our trade and investment is at the centre of government.
“This is a government that is focused on opening up Sydney and NSW for business, boosting the economy and creating jobs in these important sectors,” Minns said.
In changes that will come into effect on 1 July:
- Investment NSW and the Office of the Chief Scientist and Engineer to join the Premier’s Department
- the Department of Enterprise, Investment and Trade will be renamed to the Department of Creative Industries, Tourism, Hospitality and Sport. It will be responsible for the arts, hospitality, tourism, and the night-time economy portfolios, as well as driving the implementation of key reforms, including the vibrancy reforms;
- Venues NSW, NSW Institute of Sport, and the Office of Sport will be related agencies of the new Department of Creative Industries, Tourism, Hospitality and Sport; and
- all remaining functions and entities that are currently part of or related to DEIT will become part of or related to the Department of Creative Industries, Tourism, Hospitality and Sport.
Minister for Industry and Trade, Anoulack Chanthivong, said, “There are significant benefits to bringing Investment NSW and the Chief Scientist into the centre of government. Industry, innovation, and trade are critical to driving the creation of quality jobs and a more resilient state economy.
“I am focused on taking a coordinated, whole of government approach to working with industry and delivering on the NSW Government’s priorities.”
