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ABC News
ABC News
National
state political reporter Ashleigh Raper

Matt Kean returns to frontbench as NSW shadow cabinet line-up revealed

Matt Kean has been appointed health minister in the shadow cabinet.  (ABC News)

Former treasurer Matt Kean will take on a senior role in the opposition frontbench, despite not wanting to be part of the Liberal leadership team.

The new Opposition Leader Mark Speakman has unveiled the senior positions in shadow cabinet, but is yet to put forward a full frontbench five weeks since the state election.

Mr Kean has been appointed as shadow health minister.

Upper House MP Damien Tudehope makes a return to the Coalition frontbench as shadow treasurer.

He was the finance minister but quit cabinet ahead of the March election after it was revealed he failed to disclose his superannuation portfolio held shares in toll giant Transurban.

The Opposition Leader has announced his key minister with a focus on the economy.

"We will continue to fight for NSW families and businesses, to ensure they have the economic settings and support to succeed and prosper, and weather the current cost-of-living challenges," Mr Speakman said.

"We will make sure that the Labor government is held to account and doesn't compromise our economic security to satisfy the demands of union bosses."

Mark Speakman says he's set his sights on the economy amid ongoing cost-of-living concerns. (AAP: Paul Braven)

Some opposition frontbenchers are keeping the portfolios they held in government. They include Nationals leader Paul Toole with Police, Sarah Mitchell with Education, Bronnie Taylor with Regional Health and Natalie Ward with Roads. She is also taking on Transport.

The Opposition Leader wants Ms Ward to be his deputy but the Liberal party rules have to be changed because she is an Upper House MP.

The party will meet next week to decide.

It is shaping up to be a tight vote where two-thirds of the party room is needed to support the change.

Mr Speakman has not revealed when the full shadow ministry will be decided.

Parliament returns next Tuesday

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