Member for Balmain
Minister for Education and Training
Verity grew up in Glebe, where she continues to live with her husband Matthew and baby April.
She previously worked as a lawyer for the respected national firm Slater & Gordon, and has practiced in asbestos litigation, workers compensation and industrial law.
She has also served on the boards of both the Law and Justice Foundation - an organisation dedicated to improving access to justice for socially and economically disadvantaged Australians – and Aidwatch, a campaigning body that monitors the flow of Australian Aid overseas.
In March 2007, Verity was elected the State Member for Balmain. She was also elevated to the Ministry, becoming Minister for Women, Minister for Science & Medical Research, Minister for Health (Cancer), and Minister Assisting the Minister for Environment.
Subsequently, she became the Minister for Climate Change and the Environment.
Verity introduced major reforms in each of her portfolio areas:
- As Minister for Climate Change and the Environment, Verity established the landmark $150m Energy Efficiency Strategy, the first of its kind in Australia. The Strategy will drive down carbon emissions by ensuring straightforward energy saving measures are implemented state-wide in homes, schools and businesses.
- As Minister for Women, Verity restructured NSW Domestic Violence services to ensure police, health and support services are integrated and accessible to women and families in need. She also secured an extra $2.9m in annual funding for anti-violence programs.
- As Minister for Science and Medical Research, Verity oversaw the historic passage of the Stem Cell Research enabling legislation, and the creation of a new research fund to foster work in that field. Verity also secured numerous funding commitments for medical research infrastructure development, including $20 million to establish the National Institute for Virology at Darlinghurst and $10 million to develop the Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute.
- As Assistant Health Minister (Cancer), Verity pushed through a radical anti-smoking package that will make NSW one of the toughest jurisdictions in the world for tobacco marketing, including by moving all tobacco products out of sight of children in retail outlets.
In September 2008, she became the NSW Education Minister, while also retaining her position as Minister for Women.
Contact Details
Electorate Office
112A Glebe Point Road,
GLEBE NSW 2037
Phone: (02) 9660 7586
Fax : (02) 9660 6112
Email: balmain@parliament.nsw.gov.au