Meet Jodie

Meet Jodie

Your Member for Charlestown

Jodie Harrison has been the Member for Charlestown since 2014. In 2023, she became NSW Minister for Women, Minister for Seniors, and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault in the Minns Labor Government.

Growing up in the south-western suburbs of Sydney, Jodie moved to the Lake Macquarie region in the early 1990s not long after her parents bought a small business in the area.

Her commitment to social justice was developed at home and was enhanced while a member of the Salvation Army during her teens.

For fourteen years, Jodie worked at the City of Newcastle, mostly in change management and governance roles, becoming a workplace delegate for the United Services Union and the inaugural Chairperson of the Council’s Women’s Advisory Panel.

Jodie went to work for United Voice (now the United Workers Union), organising early childhood educators to gain proper recognition and wages for the very important work they do.

Elected to Lake Macquarie City Council in 2008, Jodie was the first woman elected as Mayor from 2012 until 2016.

Since becoming the Member for Charlestown, Jodie has worked hard to gain and keep the trust of her local community. She is keen to listen to the views of people from across the electorate and welcomes the opportunity to meet with community groups- much preferring to be out in her community than being in her office.

Jodie is passionate about the need to provide homes, increase safety, and deliver world-class services.

Jodie is the mother of two adult children and lives on Awabakal land in her electorate.

Your Member for Charlestown

My Background

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