After nine years as a Member of the NSW Legislative Council, I have decided that now is the right time to announce my retirement from the NSW Parliament.
It has been a tremendous privilege to serve as the first female Deputy Leader of the NSW Nationals in more than 100 years and the first-ever NSW Minister for Regional Health.
Regional communities are, and have always been, at the heart of everything I fight for.
I entered politics to improve the health outcomes for those in regional communities across NSW. I leave this place knowing I have done everything possible to make a real difference in the lives of the people the Nat’s represent.
As I look back on my time, some of my proudest moments as Minister were overseeing the historic blueprint to empower women, allocating a substantial $4.6 billion to boost their workforce participation, introducing the state’s first-ever Suicide Prevention Strategy, establishing Tresillian Centres across our regions, implementing the school nurse program, ensuring no student or family slipped through the cracks, and finally, the success of the Regional Health Workforce Incentive Scheme speaks for itself.
I will continue to serve in the NSW Parliament until the end of August. I look forward to joining my colleagues in the Northern Tablelands electorate this weekend and to welcome Brendan Moylan into our Party Room.
I am forever grateful to the members of the NSW Nationals for giving me the honour of representing our party, our people, and our communities. Your support and trust in me have been invaluable. A huge thank you to my staff, valued stakeholders, and friends for all your support, guidance, sacrifices, and incredible faith in me.
Lastly, to my husband, Duncan, an incredible man who has always been beside me, and his support has never wavered. To my girls, Hannah and Holly – thank you – you have always been my guiding compass.
