Charlestown MP and deputy whip Andrew Cornwell was touted as a cabinet possibility but was instead promoted to government whip.

Mr Baird also dumped Maitland Liberal MP Robyn Parker and Upper Hunter National MP George Souris from the cabinet.

Transport Minister Gladys Berejiklian was named the new Minister for the Hunter - the third in less than five months.

With her electorate of Willoughby based on Sydney's north shore, Ms Berejiklian acknowledged she would have to rely on advice from her Hunter colleagues about issues of importance to the region.