About Greg

About Greg, Your Local Voice for Lake Macquarie

Elected to what was previously considered a safe Labor seat with a winning margin of just 106 votes, I received a resounding vote of confidence from the constituency four years later when I was returned with an increased majority of nearly 10,000.

Following the 2023 NSW State election, and the change of Government, I was elected unanimously and unopposed as Speaker of the Legislative Assembly in the 58^th NSW Parliament. Sixteen years to the day since I was first elected to represent the people of Lake Macquarie in Parliament, it was both an honour and a privilege to lead the Parliament for the four-year term.

I have lived in Mirrabooka for over 45 years. I'm committed to progressing the economic and social development of the Lake Macquarie electorate while preserving its sensitive environment and the unique, relaxed lifestyle residents enjoy.

My interest in the natural environment first brought me to public life, and while on council I played a pivotal role in addressing the decline in ecological health of the lake, to a point where Lake Macquarie was subsequently considered to be a model for environmental remediation. In 2007, I was prompted to stand for Parliament due to the threat of an open-cut coal mine at Awaba, a proposal the then Labor government moved to veto only hours after I announced my candidature.

Although I maintain a strong environmental focus, I am also an economic pragmatist, having been at the forefront of development and planning issues in Local and State Government. With the western and southern parts of Lake Macquarie experiencing and earmarked for more substantial growth, I advocate for responsible residential, industrial and commercial expansion, supported by infrastructure to benefit the community while minimising adverse impacts. My previous career saw me work as a nurse in mental health and developmental disability at Morisset Hospital for over 25 years, a grounding that helped develop a strong sense of social justice. My politics are generally left-leaning, socially progressive and fiscally cautious.

A staunch Independent, I have never been a member of a political party. I maintain a good working relationship with both sides of Parliament but do not shirk from delivering criticism when warranted.

I have three adult sons and am a doting grandfather to five girls and one boy. Mt wife Lyn and I raised our family in view of the lake in southern Lake Macquarie. Lyn also worked as a nurse at Morisset Hospital for almost four decades.

I spend my rare relaxation time woodworking, motorcycling, travelling, dabbling in photography and spending time with my family.

Policy Achievements

I have spent my career supporting commonsense progressive legislation. I've worked to reduce inequalities and burdens on families and communities, while fostering a space to create opportunity and protect the fabric of our history.

I have proudly brought legislation to Parliament:

• The Human Tissue Amendment (anti-Morten Interventions) Bill, to increase the success rate of organ donations for recipients
• Voluntary Assisted Dying Bill 2021, to provide dignified end of life care
• Reproductive Health Care Reform Bill 2019, which provides safe access for women seeking reproductive healthcare without criminal penalties
• Port of Newcastle (Extinguishment of Liability) Bill 2022, to support the economic diversification of the Port and introduce increased container freight capabilities
• Government Sector Audit and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2022, during my time as Chair of the Public Accounts Committee, to introduce “follow-the-dollar” powers for Government grants
• Lake Macquarie Smelter Site (Perpetual Care Of Land) Bill 2019, (ultimately became a Government Bill) to bring the site back into public hands and provide for the long-term management of contaminated land that was part of the site of the former Pasminco Cockle Creek Smelter, allowing for the development of Costco, industrial land and nearby residential homes.