Health Minister Jillian Skinner first casualty in Berejiklian premiership
HEALTH Minister Jillian Skinner has announced her retirement from politics just days after Premier Gladys Berejiklian stepped into the top role, triggering a by-election in the seat of North Shore.
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HEALTH Minister Jillian Skinner has announced her retirement from politics, triggering a by-election in her blue ribbon Liberal seat.
Mrs Skinner, 71, made the announcement this morning just days after Premier Gladys Berejiklian moved into the top spot in parliament.
“Today I announce my intention to retire from politics,” she said.
“I am naturally sad to be leaving the portfolio I love. However, a new chapter beckons and I am looking forward to the challenges of life outside politics.”
Mrs Skinner said she admired the Premier enormously and paid tribute to her “close friend”, saying she has been proud to mentor her for many years.
“She has my absolute support and best wishes for a very successful Premiership,” she said.
Mrs Skinner has held the North Shore seat since 1994 and moved into the health portfolio six years ago.
Last week, in an interview with the Mosman Daily, she put her full support behind her northern Sydney colleague. She explained that she would support Ms Berejiklian if the Premier wanted a new direction in cabinet.
“As far as my position is concerned I will do whatever Gladys wants me to do,” she said.
“I’m very happy to stay on as Health Minister. I’m very happy to continue the reforms and I know the health sector wants me to do that.
“If she wants something different that’s her prerogative and I’ll support it.”
In a statement this morning, the Premier praised Mrs Skinner for her work over the past two decades. She praised her commitment to her local community and to the health portfolio, which she has been involved in for most of her political career.
“I am deeply disappointed my friend, mentor and colleague Jillian Skinner has announced her resignation from the NSW Parliament,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“Since becoming Shadow Minister for Health in 1995, she has spent nearly all of her time in the health portfolio; serving as the Shadow Minister for 14 years in total and the Minister for Health for almost six years.
“During her time as minister she has delivered major improvements in health services and overseen the largest expansion in health infrastructure in the state’s history.
“I wish Jillian and her family well for the future and know that she will be sorely missed by so many across the entire health system.”
There was much focus in political circles on Mrs Skinner’s position following Mike Baird’s departure. The Australian reported last month there was suggestions that she had threatened to resign from parliament and cause a by-election if she did not continue to have Mr Baird’s confidence. There was criticism of her performance following a series of health scandals.
In her statement Mrs Skinner spoke about the achievements in the health sector she has overseen since taking the role.
“During the last six years, I have led significant reforms within the NSW health system — from culture and management to hospital performance and infrastructure, finances and governance, innovation and medical research,” she said.
“Most importantly, I have always believed in putting the patient first in everything we do.”
The achievements include a reduction in HIV infections, improving organ donation rates, medical research, upgrading ICT systems and new financial systems.
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