The first woman to hold the position of Deputy Leader of the NSW Nationals in 100 years, Bronnie Taylor has announced her retirement.
After nine years as a Member of the NSW Legislative Council, Taylor said she’ll stand down in August, well before her election to the upper house is set to expire in 2031.
Her current roles include serving as the shadow minister for regional health, trade and for seniors.
A former nurse, Taylor was the state’s first regional health minister– a portfolio she criticised the Minns government for ending in March 2023 when they won the election. She’s also held portfolios overseeing mental health and women.
“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,” Taylor said, in a statement.
“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 Nat’s represent.”
Looking back on her time in office, Taylor has said her “proudest moments” include introducing the state’s first-ever suicide prevention strategy, allocating $4.6 billion to boost female workforce participation, establishing Tresillian Centres across the state (a not-for-profit early parenting service) and implementing a school nurse program as well as the REgional Health Workforce Incentive Scheme.
In her statement, Taylor also thanked the members of the NSW Nationals, the communities, her staff, stakeholders and friends as well as her husband and two daughters.
Taylor’s retirement announcement comes just days after former treasurer, environment and energy minister Matt Kean also announced the end of his political career.
The NSW Nationals Party will hold a party room meeting to fill Taylor’s casual vacancy until the term expires in 2031.