Jodi McKay

Jodi Leyanne McKay (born 16 August 1969 at Gloucester, New South Wales) is a former Australian politician who represented the electoral district of Newcastle in the New South Wales Legislative Assembly from 2007 until her defeat at the New South Wales state election, 2011.

McKay was the Minister for Tourism and the Minister for the Hunter in the Rees and Keneally governments.

Early years and background

McKay is the Director of Communications, Government and Community Affairs for Family Planning NSW. She is also a Director of Australian Science Innovations and Epilepsy Action Australia.

McKay began her career as a journalist before moving into public affairs as corporate communications director for Enigma, part of the STW Group of companies. McKay also served on the Board of Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI), The University of Newcastle Research Associates and Hunter Manufacturers' Association prior to entering politics.

Political career

McKay was chosen to be Labor's candidate for Newcastle over sitting member Bryce Gaudry, after Premier Morris Iemma personally intervened to ensure her selection.^[1] The election itself became a tight three-way contest between McKay, Gaudry and Newcastle Lord Mayor John Tate, with McKay winning on Gaudry's preferences.

McKay was elevated to cabinet after just 18 months as an MP, taking on the role of Minister for Tourism and Minister for the Hunter on 8 September 2008. She immediately distanced herself from the style of her predecessor Michael Costa and committed to greater engagement with local government and community groups.^[2] Her appointment was welcomed by tourism and business groups including the Hunter Chamber of Commerce.^[2]

In her four years in government, McKay was also Minister for Science and Medical Research, Minister assisting on Health, Minister for Commerce, Minister for Small business, and Minister for Women. At the 2011 election, Labor recorded a 31.0% share of the primary vote at the polls to the Liberal's 36.4% and independent Tate's 11.5 and the Greens 14.6%. On a two party preferred basis this translated into 52.4% for the Liberal's Tim Owen and 47.6% for the defeated McKay.

References