Given the hung parliament, Mr Fitzgibbon’s role is arguably one of the country’s most challenging positions and perhaps the most important.

The duties of the whips are to liaise with ministers in regard to the business of the House, secure the attendance of members in the House, arrange speakers for debates and generally act as intermediaries between the party leaders in the House and backbench members.

Given the situation of the hung parliament, Mr Fitzgibbon needs to ensure parliament has the votes it needs to get legislation through parliament and more importantly, to survive the threat of no confidence motions.

Speaking to The Singleton Argus yesterday, Mr Fitzgibbon said he had been considering the request by Prime Minister Julie Gillard for the past few weeks.

In the end, he accepted knowing it was what the Prime Minister wanted.

“I am excited, it puts me in reach of the Prime Minister, it gives me the Prime Minister’s ear,” he said.

He added that the role would not impact his Hunter responsibilities.

“It will be demanding when parliament is sitting but will not take much of my time when we are not.”