EX-SPORTS journalist Corey Wingard has been announced as the new minister for transport and infrastructure in the government of South Australia.
No relation to AFL player Chad Wingard, Corey Wingard’s appointment occurred as part of several changes made by Premier Stephen Marshall.
SAFC executive officer Evan Knapp said the ministerial appointments made by Premier Marshall meant the freight industry was well represented in Cabinet.
“SAFC looks forward to working with incoming Minister Corey Wingard MP on transport, logistics and infrastructure-related issues,” Mr Knapp said.
“We note he will already have a background with some of these issues through his former police and road safety portfolios.
“Critical for the new minister’s attention will be urgently completing North South Corridor planning works, reducing the state’s road maintenance backlog, and populating Infrastructure Australia’s Infrastructure Project List with more long-overdue South Australian projects.”
Mr Knapp also welcomed Stephen Patterson’s appointment to the Trade and Investment portfolio.
“We look forward to working with both new ministers in their new portfolios, as well as Attorney General Vicky Chapman MP in her new Planning Ministry,” he said.
Chair of the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator Duncan Gay also congratulated Mr Wingard.
“I congratulate Corey on behalf of the NHVR staff and board, and look forward to working with him to deliver an ongoing agenda to reform heavy vehicle safety and productivity,” Mr Gay said.
“This is a particularly challenging time for the freight industry and it is vitally important all agencies are working closely with industry.”
Mr Gay also thanked former Minister Stephan Knoll for his leadership which “has delivered positive outcomes for South Australia’s heavy vehicle industry and all road users”.
