NSW has a new Local Government Minister. 

Newly appointed Minister for Local Government Wendy Tuckerman says local councils are crucial to the State’s economy and building stronger and more connected communities. 

“Our 128 local councils employ more than 48,000 people, manage $178 billion in assets, and spend over $12 billion each year on providing infrastructure, facilities and services to local communities across the State,” she said. 

“The Government has worked hard over recent years to support local councils and communities through drought, bushfires, floods and COVID-19 and we will continue to work closely with them to drive locally-led economic recovery initiatives. 

“My appointment coincides with the beginning of the new council term, with 1,259 newly elected councillors now preparing to take office across the State. 

“I look forward to working closely with our councils as we continue to strengthen the performance, integrity and accountability of local government.”

Local Government NSW (LGNSW) President Darriea Turley said Mrs Tuckerman brings a wealth of local government experience to the 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.”

Cr Turley said the Minister's commitment to regional NSW would be particularly important given the need to drive a locally led recovery from the economic impacts of drought, bushfires, floods and the COVID-19 pandemic.