The NSW opposition is losing another senior member, with deputy Nationals leader and former regional health minister Bronnie Taylor announcing her retirement just days after former treasurer Matt Kean pulled the plug.
Ms Taylor announced she would be leaving Macquarie St in a statement shared on Thursday afternoon, however would continue to serve as an Upper House MP until the end of August.
“It has been a tremendous privilege to serve as the first female Deputy Leader of the NSW Nationals in more than 100 years and the first-ever NSW Minister for Regional Health,” she said.
“Regional communities are, and have always been, at the heart of everything I fight for.
“I entered politics to improve the health outcomes for those in regional communities across NSW. I leave this place knowing I have done everything possible to make a real difference in the lives of the people the Nats represent.”
The NSW Nationals Party will hold a party room meeting later on Thursday to fill Ms Taylor’s casual vacancy until the term expires in 2031.
The former nurse was the state’s first regional health minister – a portfolio she criticised the Minns government for scrapping after they won the election in March 2023 – and also held the portfolios overseeing mental health and women during her time in government.
Reflecting on her time in NSW Parliament, she listed her proudest achievements as introducing NSW’s first-ever Suicide Prevention Strategy, establishing regional Tresillian Centres, and implementing a school nurse program.
She also thanked her fellow state Nationals MPs, as well as her staff, stakeholders and friends.
“I am forever grateful to the members of the NSW Nationals for giving me the honour of representing our party, our people, and our communities. Your support and trust in me have been invaluable,” she said.
“Lastly, to my husband, Duncan, an incredible man who has always been beside me, and his support has never wavered. To my girls, Hannah and Holly – thank you – you have always been my guiding compass.”
Her pending retirement follows the departure of former NSW treasurer Matt Kean, who made the snap announcement on Tuesday afternoon, just four hours after Labor Treasurer Daniel Mookhey handed down his second state budget.
During his 13 years in the “bear pit” – a term of affection and trepidation given to the NSW parliament’s lower house – Mr Kean also served as the energy minister and deputy Liberal leader under the Berejiklian and Perrottet governments.
Mr Kean said he would be resigning as the Liberal member for Hornsby, triggering a by-election, and was looking to pursue opportunities in the private energy and climate-related space sectors.
The departure of two senior Opposition members will no doubt swirl further speculation of former NSW premier Dominic Perrottet’s future in parliament.
Following the Coalition’s election loss, Mr Perrottet relegated himself to the Coalition backbench, however continues to serve as the member for Epping.
When asked about the potential for a double by-election in the lower house, Mr Kean swerved the question, instead responding that: “A by-election isn’t a new thing in public life”.
“This won’t be the first by-election, and it certainly won’t be the last by-election, that’s the NSW political process,” he said.
His resignation comes amid growing speculation about the departure of former premier Dominic Perrottet, who holds the nearby seat of Epping.
When asked, Mr Kean declined to offer his pick for his successor, saying it was “a matter for the Liberal Party”.