North Shore MP Felicity Wilson reveals family’s scarred past of domestic violence

NEWLY elected North Shore MP Felicity Wilson revealed her family’s turbulent past in an emotional maiden speech to NSW Parliament.

Felicity Wilson at her recent swearing in ceremony at the NSW Parliament. Picture: Andy Baker

NEWLY elected North Shore MP Felicity Wilson revealed her family’s scarred past in an emotional maiden speech.

Ms Wilson took to the podium to speak about how her father’s schizophrenia resulted in a turbulent childhood.

Fighting back tears she told the parliament about the impact mental illness and domestic violence had on her life.

“While he was a loving man his illness led him to be violent and my sisters and I suffered the brunt of his disease for a number of years,” she said.

Ms Wilson recently won a by-election in North Shore. Picture: John Appleyard

Ms Wilson replaced Jillian Skinner in a recent by-election. During the campaign she was criticised for making an error about her residential history on a statutory declaration.

She said she had simply made an honest mistake when stating she had lived in the electorate for ten years.

Ms Wilson, who now lives in Neutral Bay, was born in Cessnock. Her parents’ marriage broke down when she was three years old and her mother was forced to raise her and her two sisters as a single mum.

Ms Wilson recalled that in the eighties there wasn’t a lot of understanding of mental illness and that her father could have been treated.

“I know now as an adult what did not know as a child that my father’s illness could have and should have been diagnosed earlier,” she said.

“And this detection and subsequent treatment would likely have ensured he could live a fulfilling life.”

Being congratulated by Premier Gladys Berejiklian. Picture: John Appleyard

Times were tough for the family and she said she knows the hardship of poverty and living on welfare.

She started her secondary education in school that was known for “drugs and teen pregnancy” and with her grandparents’ encouragement she earned an academic scholarship. This proved to be her passport to a new life.

“I know the fracturing impact on a childhood of family violence and mental illness, I know the hardship of poverty and the struggle on welfare, and I know the almost limitless power of education to cut through disadvantage,” she said.

“I would not be here today without my family. As the youngest of three girls I have been loved and cherished as the baby of the family since I was born. Whatever hardships we faced we faced together.

The ceremony at parliament. Picture: John Appleyard

“It would be remiss of me not to acknowledge and thank my grandparents who I know watch over me and would so proud to see me here.”

Ms Wilson said it is a great privilege for her to represent the electorate of North Shore, which has become her home after a childhood and youth searching for stability.

She was given a standing ovation for her speech from the packed benches and gallery on Wednesday night.

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