“Tourism, international trade and investment are important drivers of growth in the electorate of Cowper, employing many locals and underpinning our economic prosperity,” Mr Hartsuyker said.

“Serving as Assistant Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment will give our local industries on the Mid North Coast a stronger voice at the table to advocate for economic outcomes.

“With China emerging as one of our strongest tourism markets, my new role opens up massive opportunities to further increase tourism on the Mid North Coast.

“This role also gives me an opportunity to continue to deliver on some of the achievements made in my former role in the Agriculture portfolio, like getting Australian blueberries onto the priority list for gaining market access into China and facilitating exports of blueberries into the Indian market.

“One of this Coalition Government’s key priorities is creating more jobs for Australians, and Trade, Tourism and Investment is an essential component in driving economic growth and job opportunities not only across Australia, but right here on the Mid North Coast.

“What Trade, Tourism and Investment means is local jobs for local people, higher farm-gate prices for our farmers and greater opportunities for our exporters.”