NDS welcomes the Hon. Natasha Maclaren-Jones who was announced as the new NSW Minister for Families and Communities, and Minister for Disability Services.

Minister Maclaren-Jones has a long history in the parliament and broad experience in public policy development, including her most recent appointment as Parliamenty Secretary for Health.

Of particular relevance to our sector, the Minister has also served as the Deputy Chair of Portfolio Committee on Education, Aboriginal Affairs, Regional NSW, and has been a member of the NSW Government’s Violent Domestic Crimes Taskforce and the Standing Committee on Social Issues. Her background is in nursing and health management.

NDS would also like to express our sincere thanks to Minister Alister Henskens for his ongoing support and engagement with the sector. Minister Henskens played a pivotal role in supporting the sector through the Delta outbreak, including supporting our call for greater access to JobSaver for disability providers and the introduction of mandatory vaccinations.

NDS looks forward to engaging with Minister Maclaren-Jones over the coming months.