Summer Hill MP becomes part of first gender equal frontbench

Summer Hill MP Jo Haylen is named in Jodi McKay’s 50 percent female Shadow Cabinet.

Newly appointed NSW Opposition Leader Jodi McKay announces her historic 50 per cent female Shadow Cabinet, which includes Summer Hill MP Jo Haylen.

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Strathfield MP Jodi McKay has today announced the first Shadow Cabinet made up of equal numbers of men and women, which includes Summer Hill MP Jo Haylen.

Neither party has previously achieved gender equality on their frontbench.

Ms Haylen is one of 13 women appointed to the historic cabinet. She will also be the first woman to serve as Shadow Minister for Active Transport.

“Girls need to see it to be it and I’m so proud that my daughter and all girls across NSW will see a Government and a Parliament representative of the community,” Ms Haylen said.

“I’m just one of the many working mums out there who are juggling work and family and I’m proud to be a voice for them in this Shadow Cabinet.”

Shadow Minister for Active Transport Jo Haylen (left) and NSW Opposition Leader Jodi McKay speak to the media outside Marrickville West Public School.

She has also been named Shadow Minsiter for Seniors and Volunteers and Shadow Minsiter for Cost of Living.

Ms Haylen said that “living costs are out of control”.

“Whether its seniors afraid to turn on their heaters because of their electricity bills, parents struggling with higher and higher childcare fees, commuters dealing with rising transport costs and tolls, or workers struggling to make ends meet because of cuts to penalty rates,” she said.

Ms Haylen said the Government’s “rampant privatisation” has “failed” NSW families, and that household budgets and wages have been hit.

In terms of transport, Ms Haylen said: “We help families when we beat congestion, including investing in public transport, dedicated safe cycleways and infrastructure for walking.”