Lindsay MP David Bradbury has moved into the Federal Ministry.
Prime Minister Julia Gillard confirmed Mr Bradbury's promotion this afternoon.
Mr Bradbury has been appointed as Assistant Treasurer and Minister for Assisting for Deregulation.
But Mr Bradbury's promotion has been overshadowed by the dramatic news that former NSW Premier, Bob Carr, has been appointed Foreign Minister.
Despite speculation that Mr Carr's appointment was possible earlier in the week, the reports were quickly quashed and denied by Mr Carr.
Mr Bradbury said he was thrilled to be part of the new-look Ministry.
"I am immensely proud to be appointed a Minister in the Gillard Government," he said.
"Only Labor Governments are prepared to tackle the hard, long-term reforms that create opportunities for working Australians and build a platform to lift the standard of living of all Australians. I am greatly honoured to be in a position to help shape the economic debate and to be a part of a Government that continues this great Labor tradition.
"My appointment to these positions will provide an opportunity for our local community to be represented at the highest levels of Government.
"I look forward to working with the Prime Minister, Treasurer, Minister for Finance and Deregulation and my Ministerial and Parliamentary colleagues to ensure that we continue to build a strong economy that delivers benefits for working Australians in communities like ours."
Unsurprisingly, the Opposition has taken a shot at Mr Bradbury's appointment.
“Mr Bradbury has now confirmed he puts his own ambitions ahead of his constituents in Penrith and surrounding areas,” said Liberal Senator, Marise Payne.
“He has been a loyal footsoldier for the Prime Minister. Whether it’s posing for ridiculous photo opportunities in navy boats with the PM or scaring local residents with stories about water-borne and vector-borne diseases as a result of climate change if we don’t have a carbon tax, Mr Bradbury has done it all.
“Now he has received his reward.
“As Assistant Treasurer he will play a key role helping Wayne Swan to devise more schemes to fleece middle-income Australians.
“And with Labor’s record of expanding the bureaucracy, we can only assume its version of Minister Assisting for Deregulation entails abolishing one regulation and adding two. Minister for ‘Reregulation’ would be much more accurate.
“Mr Bradbury’s constituents in Lindsay won’t forget the hip-pocket pain he will have caused them by the time the next election comes around.”