Stephen was a Barrister prior to being elected to parliament and is a former Mayor of the Dubbo Region. He had a national legal practise specialising in public law.
Stephen lives in Dubbo with his family and has been a member of various arts and education boards in the Dubbo Region.
He is a former Vice President (Regional) of Local Government NSW and is passionate about the role local governments can play in community advocacy.
In his previous role as a councillor Stephen led a successful campaign for justice reinvestment and drug treatment services in Western NSW.
Stephen's legal career included lengthy periods overseas including in Solomon Islands, Afghanistan and the Occupied Palestinian Territories.
In 2014 Stephen was awarded the Operational Service Medal (Civilian) for his government work in Afghanistan.
He is excited about contributing to the progression of regional communities through service in the Legislative Council.