The Hon Steve Whan MP
NSW Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education
Steve Whan was re-elected as Member for Monaro at the 2023 election after eight years out of politics. Steve was member for Monaro between 2003 and 2011, and a Member of the NSW Legislative Council from 2011 to 2015. From 2009 to 2011 he was a NSW Minister with portfolios including Primary Industries, Emergency Services and Rural Affairs.
In September 2023 Steve was appointed as the Minister for Skills, TAFE, and Tertiary Education in the Minns Labor Government. His priorities in this role include restoring TAFE to the heart of vocational education in New South Wales, and delivering a skills sector which is responsive to the jobs of the future.
During his eight years out of politics Steve was CEO of the National Irrigators Council, a board member for Murrumbidgee Irrigation and ClubPlus Superannuation, and he worked for the Australian Chamber of Commerce’s Tourism council. He played a lead role in the Agriculture Energy Taskforce bringing together farming groups from around the eastern states, and on an advisory committee for WaterTrust Australia.
Steve and his wife Cherie have a long association with the Monaro region, with his father Bob Whan having served as Member for Eden-Monaro. They have lived in Queanbeyan for 26 years, with their children having gone to the local primary and high school. Steve rides a mountain bike, bikepacks, swims, skis, plays water polo and tennis as well as being a keen native plant gardener.
He is a life member of ACT Water Polo and a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.