Bad boys hold NSW reins

John Della Bosca has been named as the new health minister in NSW Premier Nathan Rees’ reshuffled front bench, with Tony Stewart taking over as minister for science and research and assistant health minister.

In what will be seen as a loss to the NSW biotech industry in particular, former science minister Verity Firth has been promoted to minister for education.

Della Bosca is considered an effective and capable minister, but his recent legal problems after his night at the Iguanas will dog him in what is NSW’s most difficult portfolio after transport.

Stewart is a relative unknown who was sacked as a parliamentary secretary for a drink driving offence in 2006. As well as minister for science and research, and assistant to the health minister (cancer), Stewart will also hold the small business portfolio.

He is a former high school English and history teacher.

Firth was a highly popular minister in the biotechnology and broader science sector and was only given the position 18 months ago.

She was due to present the inaugural NSW Scientist of the Year award this Wednesday.