Australian retired politician and former New South Wales Minister for Women, the Minister for Regional Health, and the Minister for Mental Health.
Bronnie was a member of the NSW Parliament for close to a decade, serving as the Minister for Regional Health, Mental Health, Women, and Regional Youth. In 2021, she became the first woman elected Deputy Leader of the NSW Nationals in the 100 years since the party's establishment. In 2022, Bronnie was named one of the Daily Telegraph's 31 Most Influential Women in NSW.
For 20 years prior to her election, Bronnie was a registered nurse specialising in cancer care and palliative care. Her work in these fields saw her become one of the first McGrath Foundation Breast Care nurses and then Director of Cancer Services in the Southern NSW LHD.
As a Minister, Bronnie spearheaded several initiatives that have had a profound impact on healthcare and women in NSW. Notable among these are the establishment of the Well-Being and In-Reach Nurse program, which placed around one hundred nurses in schools across the State, and the securing of nearly $1 billion in funding for the Regional Health Workforce Incentive Scheme.
During her time, Bronnie oversaw the historic blueprint to empower women, allocating a substantial $4.6 billion to boost their workforce participation, introduced the State's first-ever Suicide Prevention Strategy, and established Tresillian Centres across regional NSW. She also championed many causes for women's health, such as establishing the Menopause Hubs in NSW and providing free menstrual products in schools. Bronnie's determination and perseverance for reform is further demonstrated through the move to allow pharmacists to work their full scope of practice, which she pursued with focus and energy.
Bronnie's commitment to her work is unwavering. She remains dedicated to improving healthcare in regional and rural communities, recognising the unique challenges they face. Her advocacy for women extends across NSW, making her a powerful force for change.