John Barilaro: Lasagne and politics for Grant’s successor
THE man likely to succeed Troy Grant as NSW’s Deputy Premier is John Barilaro, the proud son of Italian migrants – who developed a taste for politics during mealtime rows.
NSW
Don't miss out on the headlines from NSW. Followed categories will be added to My News.
THE man likely to succeed Troy Grant as NSW’s Deputy Premier is the child of Italian migrants – who got a taste for politics during mealtime rows over a plate of his mother’s lasagne.
Mr Grant announced his resignation as Leader of the Nationals on Monday following his party’s dire showing in the Orange by-election.
The leadership baton is expected to be pasta to lasagne-loving John Barilaro, a successful small businessman and Nats MP for Monaro.
Mr Barilaro, a father of two, launched his political career by serving on Queanbeyan City Council from 2008 before winning Monaro for the Nationals in 2011. The seat was previously held by Labor.
In his inaugural speech to Parliament, Mr Barilaro paid tribute to his Italian immigrant parents.
“When my parents, Domenico and Anna Maria Barilaro, arrived in Australia from Italy in 1968 they would never have imagined that one of their children would be standing in the oldest Parliament in Australia delivering his inaugural speech,” he said.
“The family discussions and arguments around the kitchen table over a plate of mum’s lasagne certainly gave me an early baptism in politics, even though not quite the Bear Pit of this great place.
“I am very fortunate to have been elected to represent one of the most beautiful and diverse regions in the state.”
Mr Barilaro has previously declared his involvement in a series of small businesses based in regional NSW.
This included stakes in two property development companies, Euro Partners and Kotsabola, along with stakes in two entities Ryleho Home Solutions and Ryleho Pty Ltd, which manufacture windows and doors.
Crash plane’s dark past before three men died in mid-air horror
A light aircraft which was involved in a fatal collision on Saturday had an emergency crash landing just two years ago. Here’s what we know so far.
Wild moment before cop car lands on railway track
CCTV cameras have caught a police car speeding through a residential street moments before the patrol car left the road and crashed onto railway tracks in Western Sydney. Watch the video.