New Minister for Local Government Wendy Tuckerman has been hailed as a worthy successor to former Minister Shelley Hancock as vote-counting for the state's 128 councils reaches its final stages.
In a statement welcoming the new Minister to the portfolio, Local Government NSW (LGNSW) President Darriea Turley AM said Mrs Tuckerman brings a wealth of local government experience to the Cabinet table.
"Wendy Tuckerman not only has a deep understanding of the challenges and constraints facing councils, but also a commitment to regional NSW that will stand her in good stead as we go into a new council term," Cr Turley said.
"She had a distinguished local government career over many years, serving as a councillor between 2004 and 2016, and as the first female Mayor of Boorowa Council, which was later merged to become Hilltops Council.
"Post-merger, she was appointed as the administrator of Hilltops Council and continued to serve her community in that role before being elected to the NSW Parliament as the Member for Goulburn in 2019.
"We're delighted that Premier Perrottet has selected another outstanding former councillor to continue the collaborative approach of Mrs Hancock.
"In farewelling the former Minister at the weekend, I said she had big shoes to fill: we're confident Minister Tuckerman will fill those shoes in a very committed and worthwhile way."
Cr Turley said the new Minister's strong commitment to regional NSW was particularly important given the need to drive a locally led recovery from the economic impacts of drought, bushfires, floods and the COVID pandemic.
"I know I speak on behalf of councils right across NSW in extending our congratulations to Minister Tuckerman for her elevation to Cabinet," Cr Turley said.
"Our newly elected and returning councillors are ready to start a new term of service to their communities and doing so in partnership with a new Minister."
