Denice Barnes, Coast Community News

The dumping of Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch as Shadow Minister for the Central Coast has resulted in a public backlash, forcing newly-appointed NSW Opposition Leader Kellie Sloane to defend the decision.

Mr Crouch lost his role as Shadow Minister for the Central Coast in the recent reshuffle of the NSW Shadow Cabinet.

He had been Shadow Minister for Corrections, but lost that role in the reshuffle, which meant he also lost the Central Coast role.

He has been replaced by Jacqui Munro, who lives in Sydney and is in the NSW Upper House.

Mr Crouch said while he was disappointed not to be reappointed, he accepted the decision as “the tough and tumble of politics”.

The move drew criticism not only from members of the public, but also prominent community and business leaders including Peninsula Chamber of Commerce President Matthew Wales and Minister for the Central Coast David Harris.

Both said the decision to assign the role to a Sydneysider showed a lack of commitment and respect by the NSW Opposition to the Central Coast as a region.

“To the best of my knowledge Ms Munro has little connection with the Central Coast whereas Mr Crouch has over a decade of service and experience in the local area with extensive knowledge of the issues affecting local residents,” Mr Wales said.

“Sadly, this would appear to reflect a complete lack of understanding of the Central Coast by the NSW Opposition when they ignore an outstanding local politician in Mr Crouch who continues to serve his community with distinction and has attracted millions of dollars of State funding to the local area.

“This was a golden opportunity gone begging to show the Central Coast that the NSW Opposition backed its only local State Member with such an important position.

“Mr Crouch’s extensive understanding of the Central Coast and unwavering commitment to the local community has been totally ignored by the NSW Opposition Leader Kelly Sloane.”

Mr Wales has called for an urgent review of the decision.

Minister for the Central Coast David Harris said Mr Crouch has lived on the Central Coast for more than 20 years and has represented Terrigal since 2015.

“The decision shows a lack of respect for the Central Coast region and its communities,” he said.

“To properly represent a region and genuinely understand its communities’ needs, ambitions and challenges, you need to live there and be part of that community.

“This change will leave the Central Coast without a local voice in opposition decision-making.

“Being Shadow Minister for the Central Coast meant a great deal to Adam, and while we’ve often been sparring partners, I don’t question his personal commitment to this region.

“As competent as Adam’s replacement may be, it’s difficult to imagine anyone without deep local roots having the passion, commitment and on-the-ground knowledge required to effectively represent the people of the Central Coast.”

Ms Sloane said Mr Crouch would continue to play a vital role within the Opposition.

“I thank members of the community for sharing their views on the new Shadow Ministry and representation on the Central Coast,” she said.

“Adam Crouch continues to play a vital role within the Opposition and in representing the views of the Central Coast while serving his electorate with dedication and commitment.

“His long record of community engagement and delivery is widely respected.

“The decision to change Shadow Ministry responsibilities was not a reflection on Adam’s standing in his community.

“In the coming months we will announce our Liberal candidates across the Central Coast, including Gosford, The Entrance and Wyong, and I look forward to working constructively with Adam and our Central Coast Liberal Team to develop the policies that will help families, households and businesses across the region.

“The Central Coast deserves strong, authentic advocacy.

“That’s what the Liberals will deliver in the lead up to the next election.”

Ms Munro said she was privileged to be appointed to the Shadow Minister for the Central Coast role.

“It’s a privilege to be appointed to the NSW Shadow Cabinet and given the responsibility of Shadow Minister for the Central Coast,” she said.

“I have a proud family history on the Central Coast, from Point Clare to Woy Woy, Saratoga to Gosford, from my great grandmother Minnie Munro, a renowned community volunteer, particularly working with disabled children in the region throughout the 1900s and who I acknowledged in my inaugural speech to Parliament, to my second cousin Greg Winbank, who was honoured by the Toukley Hawks RLFC as a stalwart when he passed in 2023.

“The NSW Liberals are committed to the Central Coast, and developing policies to help households and families, support small business and continue our record investment in schools, hospitals, local roads and public transport links.

“I’ll continue to work closely with Adam and the entire Liberal team to hold the Minns Government to account and demonstrate a strong alternative at the next election.

This article appeared in Coast Community News, 15 January 2026.