Warringah MP Zali Steggall hires wife of Northern Beaches Mayor Michael Regan

Warringah MP Zali Steggall has hired the wife of the Northern Beaches Mayor as her chief of staff. Bronwen Regan, partner of Michael Regan, begins her role as Ms Steggall’s most senior staffer on Monday.

Bronwen and Michael Regan pictured at the Manly Women's Shelter Gala Ball.

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Warringah MP Zali Steggall has hired the wife of the Northern Beaches Mayor as her chief of staff.

Bronwen Regan, partner of Michael Regan, begins her role as Ms Steggall’s most senior staffer on Monday.

Mrs Regan has a background in local government and state politics.

She worked at the former Manly council as the communications manager before working in State Parliament as a policy and legislation adviser to former Greens MLC Jan Barham.

Most recently she has worked as the senior personal assistant to the Governor of NSW Margaret Beazley. She finishes her current role on Friday.

“I am putting together a team of experienced professionals to deliver positive results for the people of Warringah,” Ms Steggall said when asked about the appointment.

“Northern Beaches Council is one of three in the electorate and I look forward to working with them, and all levels of government.”

Zali Stegall is starting to build her team. Picture: John Appleyard

Mr Regan said he intended to provide a full disclosure of the appointment at the next council meeting, scheduled for Tuesday.

“Like all husbands, I’m proud of my wife’s achievements and support her whole heartedly in her career.”

He said he saw no reason for his wife’s appointment to present a conflict of interest.

“Whilst I have an interest that certainly should be a matter for the public record, there is no conflict here,” he said. “Council will bring into effect immediately its processes that remove any perception of a conflict of interest.

Bronwen Regan has worked for NSW Govenors including Dame Marie Bashir. Picture: AAP Image/Joel Carrett

She is currently working for Margaret Beasley AO QC, the 39th Governor of New South Wales. Picture: Dean Lewins - Pool/Getty Images.

“This will be done by ensuring council staff are present at all meetings with the new Federal Member for Warringah. All other matters will be addressed on merit and in accordance with council’s governance framework.

“I have always worked very closely and positively with our State and Federal members and will continue to do so when advocating for the people of the Northern Beaches.”

Mrs Regan is northern beaches born and bred. She was born in Manly Hospital and went to school in Harbord. She was contacted but declined to comment.

She will join Ms Steggall in Tony Abbott’s former office in Sydney Rd, Manly, where she is putting her team together.

She will work with three councils in her Warringah electorate: Northern Beaches, Mosman and North Sydney, with Northern Beaches being by far the biggest.

Ms Steggall will be officially sworn in to Parliament in Canberra on July 2.