NSW Premier Chris Minns has leapt to the defence of Port Stephens MP and Families Minister Kate Washington, describing her role as "one of the hardest jobs in public life".
Ms Washington has been under intense pressure after the alleged murder of a four-year-old boy by his mother at Wyong last weekend.
It's since been revealed that the boy and his 32-year-old mother were known to the Department of Communities and Justice, and there had been multiple child safety reports made regarding the family.
Ms Washington has directed the Department of Communities and Justice to establish an independent review to be led by the former president of the Children's Court, Peter Johnston.
Mr Minns was in the Hunter on Thursday to announce the $447 million Tangara Life Extension Program, which will employ 100 skilled workers and 20 apprentices at the Cardiff Maintenance Centre.
Asked why he had faith in Ms Washington to complete the independent review into the lead-up to alleged Wyong murder, Mr Minns was emphatic.
"It's a difficult job and every single day, you're dealing with people who are maybe responsible for horrible crimes, often against children," Mr Minns said.
"I do have confidence in her. I mean, I think she's shown a willingness to launch investigations to find out what's happened and then make the necessary changes."
Mr Minns credited Ms Washington's 2024 reform to ban alternative care arrangements (ACA) such as motels and hotels from being used to accommodate minors as proof of her effectiveness in the child protection system.
"We had hundreds of kids basically living by themselves in hotels and motels without foster carers at all in NSW," he said.
"Kate made a decision and lobbied for the resources and the funding, and tonight we've got none.
"They're all in foster care, care homes, and they're being loved by empathetic people that care for those who are children going through a horrible period.
"She led that reform. I don't think anyone's perfect in this role. This is a really difficult, difficult job.
"Basically, everyone and everything has failed by the time it gets to Kate Washington's desk."
Thursday's announcement that Cardiff workers would play a crucial role in extending the life CityRail's Tangara fleet for another 10 to 15 years, was the second major boost for Hunter rail manufacturing in less than a week.
On Saturday the NSW government revealed a $12 billion investment to return train manufacturing to the Hunter at either the Broadmeadow Locomotive Depot or a former Glencore coal mine at Teralba.
Mr Minns said the Tangara fleet had "good bones" because it was originally built using NSW workers in Newcastle, rather than sourcing trains from overseas.
"What this announcement means for the Hunter Valley is a shot of confidence when it comes to manufacturing here in NSW," he said.
"We're proud to deliver it, but we're not here to do a lap of honour.
"I want to make it clear to the people of the Hunter region and the broader state of NSW: this is common sense.
"This is value for taxpayer money in the long run, because you've got the manufacturing onsite in your state, so you can make the changes that are necessary, and you're providing jobs and opportunities for young Australians in our state."
