Mr Campbell is expected to be announced as the new transport minister, but last night would only say he was happy to have retained a Cabinet position.

"I consider it a privilege rather than a right," he said.

"It's time for the party to put our heads down and backsides up and do what the community expects."

Asked whether he had considered throwing his hat into the ring to become premier, Mr Campbell, a relatively well-regarded MP, said: "That's a very easy answer. No."

Kiama MP Matt Brown is also seen in a good light by party colleagues and will be promoted.

Last night he said he expected to be rewarded for a good performance in housing and tourism portfolios.

"A lot of new ministers are coming in," he said.

"I'm sure the Premier will look at my experience.

"This is a reinvigorated government."

In the last week of August, presenters at the South Coast Tourism Awards spoke about the benefit of having an Illawarra-based tourism minister and Mr Brown had commented on how snugly the role fitted him.

Yesterday Mr Brown said that western Sydney, where Nathan Rees' seat of Toongabbie is located, Illawarra and the Hunter shared certain similarities, which would mean the new Premier would be good for this region.

"He will have a strong affinity to our region," Mr Brown said.

"He's a young guy with a lot of energy. I think his enthusiasm is contagious."

The Government will continue to have a Minister for the Illawarra, but it is unclear whether Mr Campbell will retain it.

Wollongong MP Noreen Hay was "fairly confident of being retained as parliamentary secretary for health".

"I hope that the Premier will see fit to keep me there," she said.

If she does stay, Ms Hay will be working under a new health minister after Reba Meagher's departure.