Profile

I am a life long resident of the Northern Beaches and attended Manly West Public School and Manly High.

I graduated from Macquarie University as a science teacher. I also graduated in Law from the University of NSW and gained a Masters in Law from Sydney University.

After practising as a solicitor in Manly I entered Parliament in 1991 and was re-elected in 1995, 1999, 2003 and 2007.

I am married and have two teenage sons. One of my sons attends a local school and the other is training at an acting school.

In addition to representing Wakehurst residents, I serve as Shadow Minister for Infrastructure (as from 12th May 2008) and Planning and Shadow Minister for Redfern-Waterloo (as from April 2007).

I am passionate about the Northern Beaches. I am committed to assisting residents who have difficulties dealing with government departments or who need assistance in other ways.

I particularly enjoy my involvement with local schools and have continued close associations with the staff, parents and students of all of the local schools - Government, independent and Catholic.

In addition to being the local MP for Wakehurst I have held over 18 portfolios as a Shadow Minister in the State Coalition (Liberal/National).

More details on my shadow ministries are located under the heading ‘Shadow Minister’.

Parliamentary Service

• Party Activity - Member of Liberal Party since 1983. Numerous executive positions at Branch and Conference level including Regional President 1985-86. State Executive 1985-86.
• Community Activity - Involved with numerous local community activities and patron to many local organisations.