Retirement of Brad Hazzard
I thank my friend and colleague Brad Hazzard for his tireless commitment to serving the people of New South Wales throughout his 32 years in Parliament as a local member and Minister.
Our State is a better place thanks to Brad’s significant contribution. He got into political life to make a difference and he delivered – with the lives of many in NSW better off thanks to his extensive service.
It is a testament to Brad’s dedication that, when the COVID-19 pandemic hit our shores, he answered the call, applying his energy and experience to guide our state through a 1 in 100-year global pandemic, supporting our strong health and economic response to COVID-19.
I completely understand that after more than thirty years of high profile public service, now is the right time for Brad to focus on his family, friends and his health and wellbeing.
There is no doubt our State benefited from Brad’s invaluable experience, commitment and advice throughout the pandemic and beyond, helping to keep people safe, and then open up again, get people’s lives back on track safely and revive our economy as quickly as possible.
Brad’s contribution to public life extends well beyond his service during the pandemic.
He was part of a Liberal and Nationals Government that turned our health system around following years of neglect under Labor, building and redeveloping 180 hospitals and health facilities across NSW.
Brad’s legacy is a health system that is the envy of every other state in Australia, with investment and support at record levels.
It is a testament to his record that his fellow state Labor and Liberal health ministers continue to reach out for his advice on how they can emulate our NSW health system.
Health was just one of many ministerial appointments that Brad has embraced over the past three decades. In an extraordinary contribution to the life of our State, Brad served as Attorney General, Minister for Family and Community Services, Minister for Planning and Infrastructure, Minister for Justice, Minister for Social Housing and Minister for Medical Research, as well as Leader of the House. Prior to 2008, he was the Shadow Minister for 17 different portfolios.
In the halls of NSW Parliament, Brad has been a breath of effervescent energy, colour and life, and a generous mentor and friend to many members, both within the Government, and across the political aisle. Above all, Brad has been a tireless and committed advocate for people right across our State, and especially for his local constituents in Wakehurst.
As a local member he was a mainstay at community events and a strong campaigner on local issues.
He delivered a new Northern Beaches Hospital, hundreds of millions of dollars for Wakehurst Parkway and a new school in Allambie Heights.
I place on record my gratitude to Brad’s family and friends for supporting him in his long political career.
Political life is never easy on those close to us, and rarely do our family have a say in their involvement, so I pay tribute to everyone that supported Brad during this time.
Brad has made an enormous contribution to public life and I thank him and wish him well for the future.
Dominic Perrottet
Premier of NSW
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