Leslie Williams (politician)

Leslie Gladys Williams (born in Kangaroo Island, South Australia^[1]), an Australian politician and a member of the New South Wales Legislative Assembly representing Port Macquarie since 2011 for the National Party of Australia.

Background

Williams early career was in teaching in regional South Australia and completed a short term assignment as Chief Executive Officer of the Northern Territory division of the Sudden Infant Death Association. In 2000, Williams and her husband commenced ownership of the Lake Cathie post office and now operate a mail delivery service. At the same time, Williams completed a degree in nursing and worked in the medical and palliative care ward at the Port Macquarie Base Hospital.^[1]

Williams' community involvement includes membership of the Rotary Club of Laurieton, a Director of both the Hastings Men’s Shed and the Suicide Prevention Network and is a volunteer for various organisations including the Cancer Council of New South Wales and the Salvation Army.^[1]

Political career

Williams' first tilt at public office was at the 2007 State election where she was defeated by Nationals-turned-independent member, Rob Oakeshott.^[2] Williams gained a 3.4 percent swing towards the Nationals. When Oakshott resigned the seat to contest a by-election in the Federal parliament, Williams again contested the seat against Oakshott's staffer and independent candidate, Peter Besseling. Besseling won the by-election despite a large 23.7 percent swing towards Williams and the Nationals.^[2]

Williams again contested Port Macquarie at the next general election, the 2011 State election, and won against Besseling with a two party preferred swing of 10.9 percent to the Nationals, giving Williams a 6.4 percent margin against her independent opponent.^[3]

References

Other links

• National Party - Leslie Williams, Candidate for Port Macquarie
• Leslie Williams - Campaign website