The roles of minister for the Hunter, Illawarra, Central Coast, North Coast and Western NSW were casualties of Mr Baird’s cabinet reshuffle, which was announced on Wednesday.

They were replaced with parliamentary secretary positions.

Parliamentary secretaries are not part of the cabinet, which is the group of the government’s key decision makers.

Opposition Leader Luke Foley said the change was payback to voters in parts of the state where significant swings were recorded against the government at last weekend’s ­election.

He said it was an insult to Hunter residents.

“The decision means that the key regions outside of Sydney will no longer have a voice around the cabinet table,” Mr Foley said.

“Mike Baird has a responsibility to be inclusive and govern for the whole state – including those people who didn’t vote for him. 

“This decision is nothing other than vindictive and spiteful.

“The fact that Western Sydney has been retained in the ministry makes the omission of other regions all the more glaring.”

Gladys Berejiklian, who was minister for the Hunter before the reshuffle, has been appointed the Treasurer.

Upper house member Scot MacDonald was named parliamentary secretary for the Hunter and Central Coast.

 He and the other parliamentary secretaries will report to cabinet each quarter.

“I have enjoyed my time in the role as minister for the Hunter and am proud of my record,” Ms Berejiklian said.  

“This includes vital funding for infrastructure such as roads, hospitals as well as improvements to public transport in Maitland including the Opal card and multi-million dollar Hunter train refresh program. 

“I was also pleased in the election to secure funds for the heritage showground grandstand.

“As Treasurer I will continue to be a strong voice for the region and make sure the Hunter gets its fair share.”