Steve has previously been the State Member for Monaro from 2003 until 2011 and was Minister for Primary Industries and Emergency Services in the last Labor Government.
Having spent his years away from politics working in agriculture, water and energy, Steve has welcomed the time to learn more about effective regional development and adjustment.
He has been inspired to run to represent his community again, after growing frustrated in a government he sees as governing for short term political gain and not the long term success of the region.
With a daughter in teaching at a local high school Steve has heard first hand the impact of the chronic teacher shortages in NSW which threaten the quality of opportunity being offered to students.
Local nurses and health professionals also share with him regularly the impact of the immense pressure on health services in the region.
Steve knows that the problems facing his community will not be solved overnight, but believes they will only get worse under the Nationals short term approach.
He believes NSW Labor’s long term plans to reform education and health offer the fresh start that Monaro needs.