Wendy Tuckerman appointed minister for local government

Goulburn state Liberal MP Wendy Tuckerman has revealed the role she hopes women will play in local government after she was handed the portfolio in the latest major Cabinet reshuffle.

Goulburn state Liberal MP Wendy Tuckerman has outlined her vision for local government after she was elevated to Cabinet.

Ms Tuckerman was sworn as the new Minister for Local Government at a Government House function on Tuesday following NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet’s major Cabinet reshuffle.

Ms Tuckerman has worked in local government for 17 years and said she was “very honoured and humbled” by the announcement.

The Australian politician was elected as councillor for Boorawa Council in 2004, before becoming the first female mayor in 2007 and serving until 2016.

Then in 2016 she was elected as administrator for the now amalgamated Hilltops Council, where she served until March this year.

Ms Tuckerman said her local council experience would successfully prepare her for her new appointment.

Supplied Editorial Wendy Tuckerman has been appointed as the new Minister for Local Government

“Having experience in the sector, understanding local government and how they deliver for their communities is really important,” Ms Tuckerman said.

“I’m sure having that knowledge and background will serve me well as being minister for local government.”

Ms Tuckerman, who recently played a role in calling for the administration and subsequent public inquiry into the suspended Wingecarribee Shire Council, said she wanted to make good governance her focus as minister.

“Those sorts of situations are never easy for any minister, but at the end of the day, it’s about making sure that local government is effective and that there’s good governance being delivered for communities,” Ms Tuckerman said.

“As Minister for Local Government, my focus will be to not only support the delivery of local government services but also the improvement of the essential functions which local government provides.”

Ms Tuckerman will also continue representing and supporting Goulburn in her role as the region’s MP.

Supplied Editorial Wendy Tuckerman has been appointed as the new Minister for Local Government

“I will always be advocating for the Goulburn electorate,” Ms Tuckerman said.

“I’m also really looking forward to getting out and introducing myself and talking to councils and stakeholders about challenges in the sector.

“Getting a good feel of what’s happening on the ground.”

Following Ms Tuckerman’s new appointment, councils have been paying tribute to Shelley Hancock, who announced she would be standing down at the next state election.

President of Local Government NSW, Darriea Turley, thanked the retiring minster for her three-year tenure, and the legacy she left behind for women.

Former Local Government Shelley Hancock has announced she will not contest the next election.

“The first-ever woman to serve as the Speaker of the NSW Legislative Assembly did so with a firm hand and great humour,” Cr Turley said.

“When she became Local Government Minister, she continued to break down many of the barriers that can deter women from public life, including long-overdue superannuation for councillors, in line with the rest of the state’s work force, and access to child care to enable attendance at council meetings.”

Ms Hancock, who will remain as South Coast MP, seized the opportunity in her resignation statement to call for better gender balance in the new Cabinet.

“Now is the opportunity for the Premier to deliver a new team to take to the March 2023 State Election and it is important that women are central to the new Cabinet,” Ms Hancock said.

“It is often difficult being the only woman in the room, or one of a handful, therefore it is essential that women make up a larger part of the Cabinet to provide our views and perspectives.”

Ms Tuckerman, is one of seven women in the reshuffled cabinet of 26 minsters, meaning more than a quarter of the Cabinet are women.

Wendy Tuckerman with NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet.

“I look forward to continuing the great work that former Minister Shelley Hancock has achieved,” Minister Tuckerman said.

“I’ll be encouraging women to put their hand up to stand for government positions.

“Having that balance around the decision making table is so important, because different perspectives should support those decisions.”

Ms Tuckerman acknowledged how it had been a difficult time for local government and is looking forward to facing the challenges that come with her position.

“They’ve had many challenges, whether it’s bushfires, droughts, Covid,” Ms Tuckerman said.

“I see myself as being a minister that will certainly collaborate with the sector – listening and working through their concerns – to ensure that we’re getting the best outcomes for the communities going forward.”

In a statement, Cr Turley congratulated Ms Tuckerman on her appointment and commended her strong commitment to regional NSW.

“We’re delighted that Premier Perrottet has selected another outstanding former councillor to continue the collaborative approach of Mrs Hancock,” Cr Turley said.

“In farewelling the former minister at the weekend, I said she had big shoes to fill. We’re confident Minister Tuckerman will fill those shoes in a very committed and worthwhile way.”