Natasha Maclaren-Jones (born 24 May 1970) is an Australian politician who has served as a member of the New South Wales Legislative Council representing the Liberal Party since 2003. She has held several ministerial portfolios in the New South Wales government, including:
| Position | Premier | Term of Office | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minister for Women and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence | Dominic Perrottet | 21 December 2021 – 28 March 2023 | Appointed following a cabinet reshuffle; responsibilities included policies related to gender equality and domestic violence prevention. |
| Minister for Roads, Maritime and Freight | Dominic Perrottet | 21 December 2021 – 28 March 2023 | Oversaw transport infrastructure and policy matters across New South Wales. |
| Minister for Counter Terrorism and Minister for Home Affairs (Acting) | Dominic Perrottet | 28 June 2022 – 5 August 2022 | Served in an acting capacity after the resignation of the incumbent minister. |
Early Life and Education
- Born in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
- Attended Macquarie University, earning a Bachelor of Arts (majoring in political science) and a Graduate Diploma in Public Policy.
Political Career
- First elected to the NSW Legislative Council in the 2003 state election.
- Served as Deputy Leader of the Liberal Party in the Legislative Council (2011–2022).
- Has been a member of various parliamentary committees, including those focused on health, community services, and transport.
- Known for advocacy on issues such as road safety, women's rights, and domestic violence prevention.
Controversies and Resignations
- In August 2022, Maclaren-Jones resigned from the cabinet amid allegations of breaching the public service code of conduct related to the alleged sharing of confidential information. She continued to serve as a backbencher in the Legislative Council afterward.
Personal Life
- Married with two children.
- Involved in community groups focusing on health, education, and youth development.
References
- Parliament of New South Wales – Member Profile: Natasha Maclaren‑Jones.
- NSW Government press releases (2021–2023) announcing ministerial appointments.
- Major Australian news outlets (e.g., Sydney Morning Herald, ABC News) reporting on cabinet reshuffles and related events.
