Melinda Pavey joins growing list of government MPs quitting

The state’s longest serving Nationals MP Melinda Pavey has added her name to the growing list of government members bowing out of politics after the March election, culminating two decades in parliament.

Pavey, who served in both houses of NSW parliament, was dumped as water, housing and property minister in December last year amid a cabinet reshuffle by Premier Dominic Perrottet. She had been appointed to the portfolio by his predecessor Gladys Berejiklian in 2019.

The former minister on Sunday said she had been considering her future in politics ever since she lost the portfolio, in which she oversaw projects including the final business cases for the Wyangala and Dungowan dams, regional water strategies and Aboriginal land housing tenants.

Member for Oxley Melinda Pavey.Credit: Kate Geraghty

“That was a shock because we were doing such great work in the portfolio, we had the support of the stakeholders, we were making a real difference. When that happened it was really hard to accept,” she told the Herald.

“Let’s not pretend politics is an easy career. It’s gruelling and grinding - a tough, brutal existence for men and women. But I’m not cutting and running. This is not retirement, it’s just the next phase. And I’m still in parliament for another six months.”

Pavey joins fellow Nationals MPs Stephen Bromhead and Chris Gulaptis, who will also not contest next year’s election.

Customer Service and Digital Minister Victor Dominello, Corrections Minister Geoff Lee, former attorney-general Gabrielle Upton and Riverstone MP Kevin Conolly have also announced their decision to bid farewell to Macquarie Street.

In a statement on Sunday Deputy Premier and leader of the Nationals Paul Toole thanked Pavey for 20 years of advocacy on behalf of regional communities across NSW.

Toole said she had always “delivered on her promise to put them at the heart of decision-making”.

“Mel can be proud that her time in the parliament and as a long-time member of the NSW Nationals team has helped deliver a stronger regional NSW for the next generation”.

Pavey, who first entered parliament three weeks after giving birth to her daughter, said the pandemic had shown that members could be better supported with flexible and remote work arrangements and called for a cultural shift in parliament that reflected community expectations.

She said she wanted to see the best candidate succeed her in Oxley, adding that it would be “wonderful if it was a woman”.

“But that’s up to the branches, not me. And it’s up to the candidates to present the best option. That’s why we need to get in there and support women, so they are ready to stand up at preselections.”

Pavey said the recent Broderick review into workplace culture at parliament called out cultural challenges, but maintained the groundwork had been laid for a better future.

“There were a few women that came before me that made the path easier. I hope over the past 20 years we have shown it’s an even better pathway ahead.”

Pavey would not be drawn on the direction of the party or the government, insisting she would not be a “commentator” from the sidelines.

“I’m a team player, and I’m not going to be giving commentary on the side - too many people are doing that,” she said. “[Grassroots members] don’t want to see potshots from the sidelines.”

Pavey will continue to serve as the Parliamentary Secretary for Stronger Communities and Families and the North Coast.

The Oxley MP released a statement on social media on Sunday morning announcing her decision, accompanied by a photograph of herself and her daughter.

“After eight years as your local Member for Oxley, which followed 12 years in the NSW upper house, I have decided it’s time to leave the NSW Parliament,” she wrote.

The Morning Edition newsletter is our guide to the day’s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up here.