NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian has been heckled while unveiling her new cabinet by residents angered by government plans to amalgamate councils across the state.
Berejikilan chose Queanbeyan, in the southeast of the state, to unveil her new-look cabinet on Sunday after taking the premiership from Mike Baird earlier this month.
She made the announcement alongside Deputy Premier John Barilaro in his electorate of Monaro where the mergers of Bombala with Cooma-Monaro and Snowy River Shires have been proclaimed.
NSW Premier announces new cabinet as protesters hold banners behind her about council mergers. (@AhronYoung) pic.twitter.com/U7Evx7WEwh
— Sky News Australia (@SkyNewsAust) January 29, 2017
Speaking to media, Berejiklian was interrupted a number of times by protesters angered about the plans to merge local councils, and the policy's rollout in the local region.
A number of people holding placards opposing the government plans could be seen standing directly behind the Premier during the press conference.
"Thank you for coming, thank you for letting us listen to what you have to say ... I'll come and talk to you guys in a second," Berejiklian was forced to say at one point after disruptions.
NSW Premier @GladysB says her new cabinet will be a mix of experience and fresh blood pic.twitter.com/jXGG2D6HVT
— Sky News Australia (@SkyNewsAust) January 29, 2017
Undeterred by the heckling, Berejiklian reiterated that as Premier she had put together the strongest team possible to take the state forward.
Berejiklian said she was comfortable in the decisions she took in office because she believed she was working in the best interests of the NSW community.
"Our new team will work hard to make life easier for people right across NSW," Berejiklian said.
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