"I am looking forward to being a forceful advocate for the small business sector, which is vital to the economic health of NSW. "I will be continuing to ensure the people of Monaro are strongly represented in the Parliament and also will be able to bring a rural and regional perspective to my role in Cabinet.

"Particularly in the current economic climate, I look forward to working with the Premier on jobs in country New South Wales and economic opportunities in regional areas."

Mr Whan said he had already received a briefing on the conditions currently being faced by our fire fighters and added that all the NSW emergency services had a well deserved reputation as among the finest in the world.

"As we have seen time and time again during emergencies around our own State and further afield, our paid and volunteer emergency services are second to none," he said.

"They are highly trained and well equipped for their vital work to protect the community and their expertise is internationally recognised."

Mr Whan said he had formed strong working relationships with members of the 48 Rural Fire Service brigades, seven NSW Fire Brigades stations and eight State Emergency Service units in his electorate.

"In coming months, I will be getting out to meet as many small businesspeople and members of the emergency services as possible around the State," he said.

"They can be confident I will be working hard to ensure they continue to have a voice in the Government and the Parliament."

Mr Whan was sworn in with former union leader Mr John Robertson, who was made Minister for Corrective Services, Minister for Public Sector Reform and Special Minister of State.