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{{Short description|Australian politician}}
{{Use Australian English|date=October 2014}}
{{Use Australian English|date=October 2014}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2014}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2019}}
{{COI|date=February 2021}}
{{Infobox officeholder
{{Infobox officeholder
|honorific-prefix = [[The Honourable]]
|honorific-prefix = [[The Honourable]]
| name = Gabrielle Upton
| name = Gabrielle Upton
| honorific-suffix= [[NSW Legislative Assembly|MP]]
| honorific-suffix=
| image =
| image = The Hon. Gabrielle Upton MP.jpg
| imagesize =
| imagesize =
| caption =
| caption = Gabrielle Upton in 2017
| office = [[Minister for the Environment (New South Wales)|Minister for the Environment]]
| office = [[Minister for the Environment (New South Wales)|Minister for the Environment]]
| term_start = 30 January 2017
| term_start = 30 January 2017
Line 29: Line 31:
| parliament3 = New South Wales
| parliament3 = New South Wales
| term_start3 = [[2011 New South Wales state election|26 March 2011]]
| term_start3 = [[2011 New South Wales state election|26 March 2011]]
| term_end3 =
| term_end3 = [[2023 New South Wales state election|25 March 2023]]
| predecessor3 = [[Peter Debnam]]
| predecessor3 = [[Peter Debnam]]
| successor3 =
| successor3 = [[Kellie Sloane]]
| office4 = [[Attorney General of New South Wales]]
| office4 = [[Attorney General of New South Wales]]
| term_start4 = 2 April 2015
| term_start4 = 2 April 2015
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| predecessor6 = [[Pru Goward]]
| predecessor6 = [[Pru Goward]]
| successor6 = Brad Hazzard
| successor6 = Brad Hazzard
|
| constituency_MP7= [[Electoral district of Vaucluse|Vaucluse]]
⚫
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|df=y|1964|12|16}}
| parliament7 = New South Wales
⚫
| birth_place = [[Sydney, Australia]]
| term_start7 = [[2011 New South Wales state election|26 March 2011]]
| term_end7 =
| predecessor7 = [[Peter Debnam]]
| successor7 =
⚫
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|df=yes|1964|12|16}}
⚫
| birth_place = Sydney
| death_date =
| death_date =
| death_place =
| death_place =
| constituency =
| constituency =
| party = [[Liberal Party of Australia (New South Wales Division)|Liberal Party]]
| party = [[Liberal Party of Australia (New South Wales Division)|Liberal Party]]
| spouse = Alexander M. Sundich
| children = 2
| profession = Lawyer
| profession = Lawyer
| residence =
| residence =
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}}
}}


'''Gabrielle Cecelia Upton''' (born 16 December 1964), an Australian politician, is the member of the [[New South Wales Legislative Assembly]], representing the seat of [[Electoral district of Vaucluse|Vaucluse]] for the [[Liberal Party of Australia (New South Wales Division)|Liberal Party]] since 2011.
'''Gabrielle Cecelia Upton''' FRSN (born 16 December 1964), an Australian politician, is the member of the [[New South Wales Legislative Assembly]], representing the seat of [[Electoral district of Vaucluse|Vaucluse]] for the [[Liberal Party of Australia (New South Wales Division)|Liberal Party]] from 2011 until her retirement at the [[2023 New South Wales state election]].


Upton is currently serving as the Parliamentary Secretary for the NSW Premier.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/members/Pages/member-details.aspx?pk=59|title=The Hon. Gabrielle Cecelia UPTON, MBA, BA, LLB MP|website=www.parliament.nsw.gov.au|access-date=2019-09-11}}</ref> Upton previously served as the [[Government of New South Wales|New South Wales]] [[Minister for the Environment (New South Wales)|Minister for the Environment]], the [[Minister for Local Government (New South Wales)|Minister for Local Government]], and the [[Minister for Heritage (New South Wales)|Minister for Heritage]] from January 2017 until March 2019 in the [[first Berejiklian ministry]].<ref name=gladys>{{cite news|agency=[[Australian Associated Press|AAP]]|title=Refreshed NSW cabinet sworn in|url=http://www.skynews.com.au/news/top-stories/2017/01/30/refreshed-nsw-cabinet-to-be-sworn-in.html|accessdate=30 January 2017|work=[[Sky News]]|location=Australia|date=30 January 2017}}</ref><ref name="ABC-2019-03-31">{{cite news |author=Sas, Nick |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-03-31/cabinet-reshuffle-after-nsw-election-from-berejiklian/10956776 |title=Gladys Berejiklian says Liberal Party has no women problem as re-elected NSW Premier shuffles Cabinet |work=[[ABC News (Australia)|ABC News]] |location=Australia |date=31 March 2019 |accessdate=3 April 2019 }}</ref> She also served as the [[Attorney General of New South Wales|NSW Attorney General]] between April 2015 and January 2017 in the [[Second Baird ministry|second]] [[Mike Baird|Baird]] government and was the first woman to be appointed as Attorney General.<ref name="smh Baird 2">{{cite news|last=Hasham|first=Nicole|title=Premier Mike Baird's new NSW cabinet sworn in: Gladys Berejiklian and Gabrielle Upton first female Treasurer and Attorney-General|url=http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/premier-mike-bairds-new-nsw-cabinet-sworn-in-gladys-berejiklian-and-gabrielle-upton-first-female-treasurer-and-attorneygeneral-20150402-1mdjb7.html|accessdate=6 April 2015|newspaper=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]]|date=3 April 2015}}</ref> Upton served as the [[Minister for Family and Community Services (New South Wales)|New South Wales Minister for Family and Community Services]] in the [[Baird ministry (2014–2015)|first Baird government]] during 2014 and 2015;<ref name="smh.com.au">{{cite news |url=http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/mike-bairds-cabinet-reshuffle-a-preparation-for-next-election-20140422-371g9.html |title=Mike Baird's cabinet reshuffle a preparation for next election |work=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]] |date=22 April 2014 |accessdate=24 April 2014 |author=Nicholls, Sean }}</ref> and the [[Minister for Sport and Recreation (New South Wales)|Minister for Sport and Recreation]] during 2013 and 2014.<ref name="nswpl">{{Cite NSW Parliament |id=59 |name=Ms Gabrielle Cecelia Upton, MBA, BA, LLB MP |accessdate=2 April 2019}}</ref>
Upton is currently serving as the Parliamentary Secretary for the NSW Premier.<ref name="Gabrielle Upton NSW Parl">{{Cite NSW Parliament |name=The Hon. Gabrielle Cecelia Upton MP |id=59 |access-date=11 September 2019}}</ref> Upton previously served as the [[Government of New South Wales|New South Wales]] [[Minister for the Environment (New South Wales)|Minister for the Environment]], the [[Minister for Local Government (New South Wales)|Minister for Local Government]], and the [[Minister for Heritage (New South Wales)|Minister for Heritage]] from January 2017 until March 2019 in the [[first Berejiklian ministry]].<ref name=gladys>{{cite news|agency=[[Australian Associated Press|AAP]]|title=Refreshed NSW cabinet sworn in|url=http://www.skynews.com.au/news/top-stories/2017/01/30/refreshed-nsw-cabinet-to-be-sworn-in.html|access-date=30 January 2017|publisher=[[Sky News]]|location=Australia|date=30 January 2017}}</ref><ref name="ABC-2019-03-31">{{cite news |last=Sas |first=Nick |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-03-31/cabinet-reshuffle-after-nsw-election-from-berejiklian/10956776 |title=Gladys Berejiklian says Liberal Party has no women problem as re-elected NSW Premier shuffles Cabinet |work=[[ABC News (Australia)|ABC News]] |location=Australia |date=31 March 2019 |access-date=3 April 2019 }}</ref> She also served as the [[Attorney General of New South Wales|NSW Attorney General]] between April 2015 and January 2017 in the [[Second Baird ministry|second]] [[Mike Baird|Baird]] government and was the first woman to be appointed as Attorney General.<ref name="smh Baird 2">{{cite news|last=Hasham|first=Nicole|title=Premier Mike Baird's new NSW cabinet sworn in: Gladys Berejiklian and Gabrielle Upton first female Treasurer and Attorney-General|url=http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/premier-mike-bairds-new-nsw-cabinet-sworn-in-gladys-berejiklian-and-gabrielle-upton-first-female-treasurer-and-attorneygeneral-20150402-1mdjb7.html|access-date=6 April 2015|newspaper=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]]|date=3 April 2015}}</ref> Upton served as the [[Minister for Family and Community Services (New South Wales)|New South Wales Minister for Family and Community Services]] in the [[Baird ministry (2014–2015)|first Baird government]] during 2014 and 2015;<ref name="smh.com.au">{{cite news |url=http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/mike-bairds-cabinet-reshuffle-a-preparation-for-next-election-20140422-371g9.html |title=Mike Baird's cabinet reshuffle a preparation for next election |work=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]] |date=22 April 2014 |access-date=24 April 2014 |last=Nicholls |first=Sean}}</ref> and the [[Minister for Sport and Recreation (New South Wales)|Minister for Sport and Recreation]] during 2013 and 2014.<ref name="Gabrielle Upton NSW Parl"/>


==Background and early career==
==Background and early career==
Upton was born and raised in the Eastern Suburbs of Sydney where she attended [[Brigidine College Randwick|Brigidine College in Randwick]] and the [[University of New South Wales]], graduating with a Bachelor of Arts and [[Bachelor of Laws]]. Upton's career began as a banking and finance lawyer with legal firms [[Freehills|Freehill, Hollingdale & Page]] and [[DLA Phillips Fox]], after being admitted as a solicitor to the [[Supreme Court of New South Wales]] and the [[High Court of Australia]] in 1988.
Upton was born and raised in the Eastern Suburbs of Sydney where she attended [[Brigidine College Randwick|Brigidine College in Randwick]] and the [[University of New South Wales]], graduating with a Bachelor of Arts and [[Bachelor of Laws]]. Upton's career began as a banking and finance lawyer with legal firms [[Freehills|Freehill, Hollingdale & Page]] and [[DLA Phillips Fox]], after being admitted as a solicitor to the [[Supreme Court of New South Wales]] and the [[High Court of Australia]] in 1988.


Upton moved to live New York City in 1993 where she graduated with a [[Master of Business Administration]] (Finance and Management) from the [[Stern School of Business]] at New York University, New York.{{citation needed|date=November 2013}} She then worked as a banker with [[Deutsche Bank]] and [[Toronto-Dominion Bank|Toronto Dominion Bank]] in New York financing the energy sector.{{citation needed|date=November 2013}} From 2000 until 2010, Upton was legal counsel at the [[Australian Institute of Company Directors]] and a member of CAMAC, the Australian federal government's principal advisory committee on corporations and securities law, between 2006 and 2011.{{citation needed|date=November 2013}} Upton served as Deputy Chancellor at the [[University of New South Wales]] from 2006 until 2009, and on the University's Council from 2002 to 2010. From 2005 to 2011, Upton was the Deputy Chair of the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award - Australia and from 2009 - 2011 was Chair of The Friends of The Duke of Edinburgh's Award in Australia; and was also a board member of [[Neuroscience Research Australia]] from 2007 to 2011; and a Fellow of the Law Faculty at the University of New South Wales.{{citation needed|date=November 2013}}
Upton moved to live New York City in 1993 where she graduated with a [[Master of Business Administration]] (Finance and Management) from the [[Stern School of Business]] at New York University, New York.<ref name="Gabrielle Upton NSW Parl"/> She then worked as a banker with [[Deutsche Bank]] and [[Toronto-Dominion Bank|Toronto Dominion Bank]] in New York financing the energy sector. From 2000 until 2010, Upton was legal counsel at the [[Australian Institute of Company Directors]]<ref name="Gabrielle Upton NSW Parl"/> and a member of CAMAC, the Australian federal government's principal advisory committee on corporations and securities law, between 2006 and 2011.<ref>{{Cite web|title=CAMAC Annual Report - 2010-2011|url=https://www.camac.gov.au/camac/camac.nsf/byheadline/pdfannual+report+2010+2011/$file/camac_ar_2010-11.pdf |access-date=18 February 2021|website=camac.gov.au}}</ref> Upton served as Deputy Chancellor at the [[University of New South Wales]] from 2006 until 2009, and on the University's Council from 2002 to 2010. From 2005 to 2011, Upton was the Deputy Chair of the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award – Australia and from 2009 to 2011 was Chair of The Friends of The Duke of Edinburgh's Award in Australia; and was also a board member of [[Neuroscience Research Australia]] from 2007 to 2011; and a Fellow of the Law Faculty at the University of New South Wales. She is a Fellow of The Australian Institute of Company Directors.<ref name="Gabrielle Upton NSW Parl"/> Upton is a Fellow of the Royal Society of New South Wales (FRSN).


===Neuroscience and mental health advocacy===
===Neuroscience and mental health advocacy===
Upton has spoken out about the need to raise awareness about [[mental health]] and in March 2010 gave a speech to [[Rotary Club|Sydney Rotary]] where she called for a "full gamut" approach to combating mental illness. This speech noted that every day in Australia six to seven people die by suicide, which was 40 per cent higher than deaths caused on the country's roads – a statistic she described as "completely unacceptable".<ref>{{cite news|url=http://digitaledition.wentworthcourier.com.au/default.aspx?iid=34569&startpage=page0000038 |last=Bennett |first=Jennifer |title=Suicide statistics completely unacceptable' says Upton |work=Wentworth Courier |page=38 |date=24 March 2010 |access-date=17 May 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110706113304/http://digitaledition.wentworthcourier.com.au/default.aspx?iid=34569&startpage=page0000038 |archive-date=6 July 2011 |df=dmy }}</ref> She has written about the prevalence of mental illness among young Australian lawyers and discussed moves by the [[legal profession]] to combat mental illness in the law firm workplace.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.thepunch.com.au/articles/suicide-prevention-is-everyones-problem/ |title=Suicide prevention is everyone's problem |last=Upton |first=Gabrielle |work=The Punch |publisher=News Limited |date=25 March 2010 |accessdate=17 May 2011}}</ref>
Upton has spoken out about the need to raise awareness about [[mental health]] and in March 2010 gave a speech to [[Rotary Club|Sydney Rotary]] where she called for a "full gamut" approach to combating mental illness. This speech noted that every day in Australia six to seven people die by suicide, which was 40 per cent higher than deaths caused on the country's roads – a statistic she described as "completely unacceptable".<ref>{{cite news|url=http://digitaledition.wentworthcourier.com.au/default.aspx?iid=34569&startpage=page0000038 |last=Bennett |first=Jennifer |title=Suicide statistics completely unacceptable' says Upton |work=Wentworth Courier |page=38 |date=24 March 2010 |access-date=17 May 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110706113304/http://digitaledition.wentworthcourier.com.au/default.aspx?iid=34569&startpage=page0000038 |archive-date=6 July 2011 }}</ref> She has written about the prevalence of mental illness among young Australian lawyers and discussed moves by the [[legal profession]] to combat mental illness in the law firm workplace.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.thepunch.com.au/articles/suicide-prevention-is-everyones-problem/ |title=Suicide prevention is everyone's problem |last=Upton |first=Gabrielle |work=The Punch |date=25 March 2010 |access-date=17 May 2011}}</ref>


==Political career==
==Political career==
Following the earlier announcement that the Liberal sitting member, [[Peter Debnam]] would not re-contest the next state election, on 26 September 2010 Gabrielle won Liberal Party pre-selection for Vaucluse.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://wentworth-courier.whereilive.com.au/news/story/gabrielle-upton-wins-liberal-preselection-for-vaucluse/ |last=Bennett |first=Jennifer |title=Gabrielle Upton wins Liberal preselection for Vaucluse |work=Wentworth Courier |date=26 September 2010 |accessdate=17 May 2011}}</ref> At the 2011 state election, Gabrielle [[Electoral results for the district of Vaucluse#Elections in the 2010s|was elected]] with a swing of 9.9 points and won the seat with 81.4 per cent of the [[two-party preferred|two-party]] vote.<ref name="ABC">{{cite web |url=http://www.abc.net.au/elections/nsw/2011/guide/vauc.htm |title=Vaucluse |work=NSW Votes 2011 |publisher=[[Australian Broadcasting Corporation]] |accessdate=17 May 2011 |date=5 April 2011 |author=Green, Antony |authorlink=Antony Green }}</ref> Following the election, she was appointed Parliamentary Secretary for Tertiary Education and Skills.<ref name="nswpl"/> In August 2011 she was appointed Chair of the NSW Parliamentary friends of Israel.<ref>http://www.jwire.com.au/news/support-for-israel-in-the-nsw-parliament/18576</ref> On 21 August 2013, Upton was appointed as the Minister for Sport and Recreation.
Following the earlier announcement that the Liberal sitting member, [[Peter Debnam]], would not re-contest the next state election, Upton won Liberal Party pre-selection for Vaucluse on 26 September 2010.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://wentworth-courier.whereilive.com.au/news/story/gabrielle-upton-wins-liberal-preselection-for-vaucluse/ |last=Bennett |first=Jennifer |title=Gabrielle Upton wins Liberal preselection for Vaucluse |work=Wentworth Courier |date=26 September 2010 |access-date=17 May 2011}}</ref> At the [[2011 New South Wales state election|2011 state election]], she [[Electoral results for the district of Vaucluse#Elections in the 2010s|was elected]] with a swing of 9.9 points, winning the seat with 81.4 per cent of the [[two-party preferred]] vote.<ref name="ABC">{{cite web |url=http://www.abc.net.au/elections/nsw/2011/guide/vauc.htm |title=Vaucluse |work=NSW Votes 2011 |publisher=[[Australian Broadcasting Corporation]] |access-date=17 May 2011 |date=5 April 2011 |last=Green |first=Antony |author-link=Antony Green }}</ref> Following the election, she was appointed Parliamentary Secretary for Tertiary Education and Skills.<ref name="Gabrielle Upton NSW Parl"/> In August 2011, she was appointed Chair of the NSW Parliamentary friends of Israel.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.jwire.com.au/news/support-for-israel-in-the-nsw-parliament/18576 |title=Support for Israel in the NSW Parliament |access-date=8 January 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131105124237/http://www.jwire.com.au/news/support-for-israel-in-the-nsw-parliament/18576 |archive-date=5 November 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref> On 21 August 2013, Upton was appointed as the Minister for Sport and Recreation.


Due to the resignation of [[Barry O'Farrell]] as premier,<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/barry-ofarrell-quits-as-nsw-premier-over-memory-fail/story-fn59niix-1226886224077 |title=Barry O'Farrell quits as NSW Premier over memory fail |date=16 April 2014 |work=[[The Australian]] |accessdate=23 April 2014 }}</ref> and the subsequent ministerial reshuffle by [[Mike Baird (politician)|Mike Baird]], the new Liberal Leader,<ref name="smh.com.au"/> in April 2014 Upton was appointed as the Minister for Family and Community Services; and lost the portfolio of Sport and Recreation.<ref name="nswpl"/><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/mike-bairds-nsw-cabinet-20140422-371j4.html |title=Mike Baird's NSW cabinet |date=22 April 2014 |work=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]] |accessdate=23 April 2014 }}</ref><ref name="ABC 2">{{cite news |url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-04-22/premier-mike-baird-announces-new-cabinet-line-up/5402930 |title=Baird Cabinet announced: Premier promotes Constance to Treasurer, makes way for five new MPs |work=[[ABC News (Australia)|ABC News]] |location=Australia |accessdate=22 April 2014 |date=22 April 2014}}</ref>
Due to the resignation of [[Barry O'Farrell]] as premier in April 2014,<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/barry-ofarrell-quits-as-nsw-premier-over-memory-fail/story-fn59niix-1226886224077 |title=Barry O'Farrell quits as NSW Premier over memory fail |date=16 April 2014 |work=[[The Australian]] |access-date=23 April 2014 }}</ref> and the subsequent ministerial reshuffle by the new Liberal Leader, [[Mike Baird (politician)|Mike Baird]],<ref name="smh.com.au"/> Upton was appointed as the Minister for Family and Community Services and relinquished the portfolio of Sport and Recreation.<ref name="Gabrielle Upton NSW Parl"/><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/mike-bairds-nsw-cabinet-20140422-371j4.html |title=Mike Baird's NSW cabinet |date=22 April 2014 |work=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]] |access-date=23 April 2014 }}</ref><ref name="ABC 2">{{cite news |url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-04-22/premier-mike-baird-announces-new-cabinet-line-up/5402930 |title=Baird Cabinet announced: Premier promotes Constance to Treasurer, makes way for five new MPs |work=[[ABC News (Australia)|ABC News]] |location=Australia |access-date=22 April 2014 |date=22 April 2014}}</ref>


Following the [[2015 New South Wales state election|2015 state election]], Baird announced that Upton would be Attorney General, becoming the first female [[Attorney General of New South Wales]].<ref name="smh Baird 2"/><ref>{{cite news| url = http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/nsw-premier-mike-baird-announces-new-cabinet-20150401-1mcndb.html| title = NSW premier Mike Baird announces new cabinet | work = [[The Sydney Morning Herald]]| date = 1 April 2015| access-date = 1 April 2015 }}</ref> As Attorney General, Upton introduced a pilot program to help support child witnesses through the court process, using specialist judges to better deal with child sexual assault trials, and experts called "children's champions".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.justice.nsw.gov.au:443/Pages/media-news/media-releases/2015/law-paves-way-for-children%27s-champions.aspx|title=Law paves way for children's champions|publisher=NSW Department of Justice|website=justice.nsw.gov.au|access-date=11 September 2019}}</ref>
Following the [[2015 New South Wales state election|2015 state election]], Premier Mike Baird announced that Upton would become the next NSW Attorney General, and on 2 April 2015, she was sworn in as the first female Attorney General of New South Wales.<ref name="smh Baird 2"/><ref>{{cite news| url = http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/nsw-premier-mike-baird-announces-new-cabinet-20150401-1mcndb.html| title = NSW premier Mike Baird announces new cabinet | work = [[The Sydney Morning Herald]]| date = 1 April 2015| accessdate = 1 April 2015 }}</ref> Following the resignation of Mike Baird as Premier,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://m.thesatellite.com.au/news/baird-resigns-nsw-premier-quit-top-job-and-parliam/3133375/|first=Owen|last=Jacques|title=Baird resigns: NSW Premier to quit top job and Parliament|work=The Satellite|date=19 January 2017|access-date=18 January 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202002956/http://m.thesatellite.com.au/news/baird-resigns-nsw-premier-quit-top-job-and-parliam/3133375/|archive-date=2 February 2017|df=dmy-all}}</ref> [[Gladys Berejiklian]] was elected as [[Leader of the New South Wales Liberal Party|Liberal leader]] and sworn in as Premier.<ref>{{cite web|title=Swearing-In of The Honourable Gladys Berejiklian MP, the 45th Premier of New South Wales, and The Honourable John Barilaro MP, Deputy Premier|url=https://www.governor.nsw.gov.au/governor/vice-regal-program/monday-23-january-2017/|website=Vice Regal Program |publisher=Governor of New South Wales|accessdate=27 January 2017|date=23 January 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Ministers|url=https://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/members/pages/ministers.aspx|website=www.parliament.nsw.gov.au|publisher=Parliament of New South Wales|accessdate=27 January 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Clennell|first1=Andrew|title=Premier Gladys Berejiklian plans major reshuffle for cabinet|url=http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/nsw/premier-gladys-berejiklian-plans-major-reshuffle-for-cabinet/news-story/1bb77d4e287dc82004f80186e40d18f0|accessdate=27 January 2017|work=The Daily Telegraph|date=26 January 2017}}</ref> The [[First Berejiklian ministry|Berejiklian ministry]] was subsequently formed with Upton sworn in as the Minister for the Environment, the Minister for Local Government, and the Minister for Heritage with effect from 30 January 2017.<ref name=gladys/> In October 2017 as heritage minister, she refused to list the 1981 [[Sirius building]] in [[The Rocks, New South Wales|The Rocks]] on the [[New South Wales State Heritage Register]] saying "while the Sirius building is distinctive, in my view, it is not a landmark worthy of state heritage protection", despite the unanimous recommendation that it be listed by the [[Heritage Council of New South Wales]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Robertson |first1=James |title=Sirius demolition one step closer as state government declines to grant heritage status |url=https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/sirius-demolition-one-step-closer-as-state-government-declines-to-grant-heritage-status-20171025-gz7u90.html |accessdate=24 August 2019 |agency=The Sydney Morning Herald |date=25 October 2017}}</ref> In response, the Chair of the Save Our Sirius Foundation noted that her determination was "an ignorant decision made by an out-of-touch government [...] Upton's only argument and the only thing she cites in her decision is the opinion of a group of private companies the government hired to tell them what they want to hear."<ref>{{cite news |last1=Cheng |first1=Linda |title=Sirius denied heritage protection, again |url=https://architectureau.com/articles/sirius-denied-heritage-protection-again/ |accessdate=24 August 2019 |agency=ArchitectureAU |date=26 October 2017}}</ref>


===Minister for the Environment, Local Government and Heritage===
⚫
In September 2018, a number of concerns were made public over Upton's capacity and ability to perform as a government minister. Allegations from former staff and other government sources included her "contempt for bureaucrats", suggested she was "paralysed by indecision" and that "Departmental briefs sat on her desk for months and months without her even looking at them", and was an "underperformer" who should not be in cabinet.<ref name=Smith>{{cite news |last1=Smith |first1=Alexandra |title=Senior adviser to Gabrielle Upton receives compensation for severe stress |url=https://www.smh.com.au/politics/nsw/senior-adviser-to-gabrielle-upton-receives-compensation-for-severe-stress-20180913-p503mi.html |accessdate=14 September 2018 |work=Sydney Morning Herald|date=14 September 2018}}</ref> The month before, Upton came under criticism for overseeing a significant delay in determining applications for new items to the [[New South Wales State Heritage Register]], thereby fulfilling her obligations under the ''Heritage Act 1977'' "almost entirely in the breach" including the listing of Hadley Park in [[Castlereagh, New South Wales|Castlereagh]], the family home of conservative radio commentator [[Ray Hadley]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Saulwick |first1=Jacob |title='It's ludicrous': minister delays heritage decisions, except for Ray Hadley |url=https://www.smh.com.au/politics/nsw/it-s-ludicrous-minister-delays-heritage-decisions-except-for-ray-hadley-20180810-p4zwsa.html |accessdate=24 August 2019 |agency=The Sydney Morning Herald |date=11 August 2018}}</ref>
Following the resignation of Mike Baird as Premier,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://m.thesatellite.com.au/news/baird-resigns-nsw-premier-quit-top-job-and-parliam/3133375/|first=Owen|last=Jacques|title=Baird resigns: NSW Premier to quit top job and Parliament|work=The Satellite|date=19 January 2017|access-date=18 January 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202002956/http://m.thesatellite.com.au/news/baird-resigns-nsw-premier-quit-top-job-and-parliam/3133375/|archive-date=2 February 2017}}</ref> [[Gladys Berejiklian]] was elected [[Leader of the New South Wales Liberal Party|Liberal leader]] and sworn in as Premier.<ref>{{cite web|title=Swearing-In of The Honourable Gladys Berejiklian MP, the 45th Premier of New South Wales, and The Honourable John Barilaro MP, Deputy Premier|url=https://www.governor.nsw.gov.au/governor/vice-regal-program/monday-23-january-2017/|website=Vice Regal Program|publisher=Governor of New South Wales|access-date=27 January 2017|date=23 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202042336/https://www.governor.nsw.gov.au/governor/vice-regal-program/monday-23-january-2017/|archive-date=2 February 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Clennell|first1=Andrew|title=Premier Gladys Berejiklian plans major reshuffle for cabinet|url=http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/nsw/premier-gladys-berejiklian-plans-major-reshuffle-for-cabinet/news-story/1bb77d4e287dc82004f80186e40d18f0|access-date=27 January 2017|work=The Daily Telegraph|date=26 January 2017}}</ref> Upton became the Minister for the Environment, the Minister for Local Government, and the Minister for Heritage in the [[First Berejiklian ministry|Berejiklian ministry]].<ref name=gladys/>


In October 2017, as heritage minister, Upton refused to list the 1981 [[Sirius building]] in [[The Rocks, New South Wales|The Rocks]] on the [[New South Wales State Heritage Register]], despite the unanimous recommendation of the [[Heritage Council of New South Wales]]. She said: "While the Sirius building is distinctive, in my view, it is not a landmark worthy of state heritage protection."<ref>{{cite news |last1=Robertson |first1=James |title=Sirius demolition one step closer as state government declines to grant heritage status |url=https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/sirius-demolition-one-step-closer-as-state-government-declines-to-grant-heritage-status-20171025-gz7u90.html |access-date=24 August 2019 |work=The Sydney Morning Herald |date=25 October 2017}}</ref> In response, the Chair of the Save Our Sirius Foundation noted that her determination was "an ignorant decision made by an out-of-touch government [...] Upton's only argument and the only thing she cites in her decision is the opinion of a group of private companies the government hired to tell them what they want to hear."<ref>{{cite news |last1=Cheng |first1=Linda |title=Sirius denied heritage protection, again |url=https://architectureau.com/articles/sirius-denied-heritage-protection-again/ |access-date=24 August 2019 |agency=ArchitectureAU |date=26 October 2017}}</ref>
⚫
Attention also focused on the "toxic environment" of her 12-staff member office, with 16 staff members leaving in the 18-month period up to September 2018 and one former member of staff receiving compensation for severe stress.<ref name=Smith/> Separate sources including fellow government ministers labelled her as "the weakest performer in the cabinet".<ref>{{cite news |last1=Smith |first1=Alexandra |last2=Loussikian |first2=Kylar |title='Weakest performer in cabinet': NSW Environment Minister under threat |url=https://www.smh.com.au/politics/nsw/weakest-performer-in-cabinet-nsw-environment-minister-under-threat-20180912-p503bo.html |accessdate=13 September 2018 |work=Sydney Morning Herald |date=13 September 2018}}</ref>


Upton introduced the container deposit scheme called ‘Return and Earn’ in NSW in December 2017.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.epa.nsw.gov.au/news/media-releases/2018/epamedia181202-return-and-earn-a-billion-reasons-to-celebrate|title=Return and Earn: A billion reasons to celebrate|last=EPA|first=NSW|website=NSW Environment Protection Authority|language=en|access-date=2019-09-10}}</ref> It is the single largest initiative undertaken to reduce litter in NSW leading to a 48% drop in overall litter volume as of 2019 (Keep Australia Beautiful – National Litter Index).<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://wastemanagementreview.com.au/tag/return-and-earn/|title=Return and Earn Archives|website=Waste Management Review|language=en-US|access-date=2019-09-10}}</ref> Together with the Premier in May 2018 she announced the $45 Million [https://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/-/media/OEH/Corporate-Site/Documents/Animals-and-plants/Threatened-species/nsw-koala-strategy-18250.pdf Koala Strategy], the largest commitment by any state government to increasing the koala population.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nsw.gov.au/your-government/the-premier/media-releases-from-the-premier/koala-strategy-will-save-australias-national-treasure/|title=Koala strategy will save Australia's national treasure|website=NSW Government|language=en-AU|access-date=2019-09-11}}</ref> The package included additional natural habitat for koalas, funding to tackle diseases, improve research and address roadkill hotspots.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-05-06/new-parks-for-koalas-to-breed-to-save-iconic-species-in-nsw/9732854|title=New parks set aside to save declining koala population in NSW|last=Khalik|first=Jennine|last2=Kennedy|first2=Jean|date=2018-05-06|website=ABC News|language=en-AU|access-date=2019-09-11}}</ref> When she was Attorney General, Upton introduced a pilot program using specialist judges to better deal with child sexual assault trials and experts called “children’s champions” to help support child witnesses through the court trial process.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.justice.nsw.gov.au:443/Pages/media-news/media-releases/2015/law-paves-way-for-children%27s-champions.aspx|title=Law paves way for children's champions|last=Community Relations Division|first=freecall 1800 685 449|last2=Justice|first2=NSW Department of|website=www.justice.nsw.gov.au|language=en|access-date=2019-09-11}}</ref> Upton did not seek reappointment to the minister following the [[2019 New South Wales state election|2019 state election]].<ref name="ABC-2019-03-31" />
In December 2017, Upton introduced the [[container deposit legislation in Australia|container deposit scheme]] called "Return and Earn".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.epa.nsw.gov.au/news/media-releases/2018/epamedia181202-return-and-earn-a-billion-reasons-to-celebrate|title=Return and Earn: A billion reasons to celebrate|website=NSW Environment Protection Authority|access-date=10 September 2019}}</ref> It was the single largest initiative undertaken to reduce litter in NSW, and was associated with a 28% drop in litter covered by the container deposit scheme in 2017–18, compared with 2016–17.<ref>{{cite web |title=National Report 2017 - 2018 National Litter Index |url=http://kab.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/2019_NLI17_18_EPORT.pdf |publisher=Keep Australia Beautiful National Association |access-date=10 November 2019 |page=33}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://wastemanagementreview.com.au/tag/return-and-earn/|title=Return and Earn Archives|website=Waste Management Review|access-date=10 September 2019}}</ref>

In May 2018, together with the Premier, Upton announced the $45 Million Koala Strategy, the largest commitment by any state government to increasing the [[koala]] population.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nsw.gov.au/your-government/the-premier/media-releases-from-the-premier/koala-strategy-will-save-australias-national-treasure/|title=Koala strategy will save Australia's national treasure|website=NSW Government|access-date=11 September 2019}}</ref> The package included additional natural habitat for koalas, funding to tackle diseases, improve research and address roadkill hotspots.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-05-06/new-parks-for-koalas-to-breed-to-save-iconic-species-in-nsw/9732854|title=New parks set aside to save declining koala population in NSW|last1=Khalik|first1=Jennine|last2=Kennedy|first2=Jean|date=6 May 2018|work=ABC News|access-date=11 September 2019}}</ref>

⚫
In September 2018, a number of concerns were made public over Upton's ability to perform as a minister. Allegations from former staff and other government sources included her "contempt for bureaucrats", suggestions that she was "paralysed by indecision", and claims that "Departmental briefs sat on her desk for months and months without her even looking at them".<ref name=Smith>{{cite news |last1=Smith |first1=Alexandra |title=Senior adviser to Gabrielle Upton receives compensation for severe stress |url=https://www.smh.com.au/politics/nsw/senior-adviser-to-gabrielle-upton-receives-compensation-for-severe-stress-20180913-p503mi.html |access-date=14 September 2018 |work=The Sydney Morning Herald|date=14 September 2018}}</ref> The month before, Upton came under fire for allowing a significant delay in determining applications for new items to the [[New South Wales State Heritage Register]], with the exception of [[Hadley Park]] in [[Castlereagh, New South Wales|Castlereagh]], the original home of the family of conservative radio commentator [[Ray Hadley]], thereby fulfilling her obligations under the ''Heritage Act 1977'' "almost entirely in the breach".<ref>{{cite news |last1=Saulwick |first1=Jacob |title='It's ludicrous': minister delays heritage decisions, except for Ray Hadley |url=https://www.smh.com.au/politics/nsw/it-s-ludicrous-minister-delays-heritage-decisions-except-for-ray-hadley-20180810-p4zwsa.html |access-date=24 August 2019 |work=The Sydney Morning Herald |date=11 August 2018}}</ref>

⚫
Attention also focused on the "toxic environment" of her 12-staff office, with 16 staff members having left in the 18-month period up to September 2018, and one former staffer receiving compensation for severe stress.<ref name=Smith/> Separate sources, including fellow government ministers, labelled her as "the weakest performer in the cabinet" and that "her inaction presiding over her former NSW environment portfolio was almost at the level of performance art".<ref>{{cite news |last1=Smith |first1=Alexandra |last2=Loussikian |first2=Kylar |title='Weakest performer in cabinet': NSW Environment Minister under threat |url=https://www.smh.com.au/politics/nsw/weakest-performer-in-cabinet-nsw-environment-minister-under-threat-20180912-p503bo.html |access-date=13 September 2018 |work=The Sydney Morning Herald |date=13 September 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Loussikian |first1=Kylar |last2=Hutchinson |first2=Samantha |title='A strong campaigner': the beauty of Wikipedia |url=https://www.smh.com.au/national/a-strong-campaigner-the-beauty-of-wikipedia-20190402-p51a0i.html |access-date=29 October 2022 |publisher=The Sydney Morning Herald |date=3 April 2019}}</ref>

Upton was not reappointed to the ministry following the [[2019 New South Wales state election|2019 state election]].<ref name="ABC-2019-03-31" />

==Later political career==
In October 2019, as Parliamentary Secretary to the Premier Upton was given the responsibility for research and development investment.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2019-10-28|title=Top minds to help accelerate research and development investment in NSW|url=https://www.nsw.gov.au/media-releases/top-minds-to-help-accelerate-research-and-development-investment-nsw|access-date=2020-11-18|website=NSW Government|language=en-AU}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2019-10-27|title=Gonski drafted in to lead R&D push|url=https://www.afr.com/policy/economy/gonski-drafted-in-to-lead-r-and-d-push-20191026-p534jd|access-date=2020-11-18|website=Australian Financial Review|language=en}}</ref> To guide the development of an Action Plan she appointed an Advisory Council chaired by [[David Gonski]]<ref>{{Cite news|last=|first=|date=|title=Leadership, Collaboration and Coordination - The Keys to Accelerating R&D in NSW|work=|url=https://www.gabrielleupton.com.au/media-release-leadership-collaboration-and-coordination-the-keys-to-accelerating-rd-in-nsw/ |access-date=}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-03-16|title=NSW looks to boost start-ups with procurement changes|url=https://www.afr.com/technology/nsw-looks-to-boost-start-ups-with-procurement-changes-20200311-p54939|access-date=2020-11-18|website=Australian Financial Review|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-08-31|title=Deep tech picked to lead the virus recovery|url=https://www.afr.com/technology/deep-tech-picked-to-lead-the-virus-recovery-20200828-p55qf3|access-date=2020-11-18|website=Australian Financial Review|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=|title=NSW Plan to step up commercialisation of research|url=https://www.theaustralian.com.au/subscribe/news/1/?sourceCode=TAWEB_WRE170_a&dest=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theaustralian.com.au%2Fhigher-education%2Fnsw-plan-to-step-up-commercialisation-of-research%2Fnews-story%2Fc327debba4b8e0e760b47f08d96ad726&memtype=anonymous&mode=premium&nk=e3502c104d4d3d9dea3efbec2a93c346-1612225859 |access-date=2021-02-02|website=www.theaustralian.com.au}}</ref> Upton has also written on the potential for NSW to be the home of technological innovation.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-01-22|title=New South Wales can be the home of global technological innovation|url=https://www.afr.com/technology/new-south-wales-can-be-the-home-of-global-technological-innovation-20210122-p56w7v|access-date=2021-02-02|website=Australian Financial Review|language=en}}</ref>

On 25 January 2021, the NSW Premier [[Gladys Berejiklian]], together with Upton, launched the [https://www.dpc.nsw.gov.au/preview/d29d5b70cafe6823/4f2ddc13d20ecc0e/ "Turning ideas into Jobs" Accelerating research and development in NSW] Action Plan.<ref name="nsw.gov.au">{{Cite web|date=2021-01-25|title=NSW action plan to turn ideas into jobs|url=https://www.nsw.gov.au/media-releases/nsw-action-plan-to-turn-ideas-into-jobs|access-date=2021-02-02|website=NSW Government|language=en-AU}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-01-25|title=Business welcomes NSW research and development push|url=https://www.afr.com/policy/health-and-education/business-welcomes-nsw-research-and-development-push-20210125-p56wqf|access-date=2021-02-02|website=Australian Financial Review|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=January 25, 2021|title=Business Council statement: NSW action plan to accelerate research and development|url=https://www.bca.com.au/business_council_statement_nsw_action_plan_to_accelerate_research_and_development|access-date=2021-02-02|website=Business Council of Australia|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-01-25|title=NSW government to place greater focus on research and development|url=https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/national/nsw-government-to-place-greater-focus-on-research-and-development/video/5fb0d832ceac881658536a9f5e35a81e|access-date=2021-02-02|website=dailytelegraph|language=en}}</ref> $26 million was announced as a kick-off funding to support a Small Business Innovation Research program and matchmaking platform.<ref name="nsw.gov.au"/>


==See also==
==See also==
{{stack|{{Portal|New South Wales|Politics}}}}
{{Portal|New South Wales|Politics}}
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*[[Baird ministry (2014–15)|First Baird ministry]]
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*[[Second Baird ministry]]
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==References==
==References==
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{{s-ttl|title=Member for [[Electoral district of Vaucluse|Vaucluse]]|years=2011{{endash}}present}}
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[[Category:Liberal Party of Australia members of the Parliament of New South Wales]]
[[Category:Liberal Party of Australia members of the Parliament of New South Wales]]
[[Category:Stern School of Business alumni]]
[[Category:New York University Stern School of Business alumni]]
[[Category:University of New South Wales Law School alumni]]
[[Category:University of New South Wales Law School alumni]]
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[[Category:21st-century Australian politicians]]
[[Category:Attorneys General of New South Wales]]
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[[Category:Women members of the New South Wales Legislative Assembly]]
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Revision as of 21:21, 8 May 2024

The Honourable
Gabrielle Upton
Gabrielle Upton in 2017
Minister for the Environment
In office
30 January 2017 – 23 March 2019
PremierGladys Berejiklian
Preceded byMark Speakman
Succeeded byMatt Kean
Minister for Local Government
In office
30 January 2017 – 23 March 2019
PremierGladys Berejiklian
Preceded byPaul Toole
Succeeded byShelley Hancock
Minister for Heritage
In office
30 January 2017 – 23 March 2019
PremierGladys Berejiklian
Preceded byMark Speakman
Succeeded bypost abolished
Member of the New South Wales Parliament
for Vaucluse
In office
26 March 2011 – 25 March 2023
Preceded byPeter Debnam
Succeeded byKellie Sloane
Attorney General of New South Wales
In office
2 April 2015 – 30 January 2017
PremierMike Baird
Preceded byBrad Hazzard
Succeeded byMark Speakman
Minister for Sport and Recreation
In office
30 August 2013 – 23 April 2014
PremierBarry O'Farrell
Preceded byBrad Hazzard
Succeeded byStuart Ayres
Minister for Family and Community Services
In office
23 April 2014 – 2 April 2015
PremierMike Baird
Preceded byPru Goward
Succeeded byBrad Hazzard
Personal details
Born (1964-12-16) 16 December 1964 (age 59)
Sydney, Australia
Political partyLiberal Party
Alma mater
ProfessionLawyer

Gabrielle Cecelia Upton FRSN (born 16 December 1964), an Australian politician, is the member of the New South Wales Legislative Assembly, representing the seat of Vaucluse for the Liberal Party from 2011 until her retirement at the 2023 New South Wales state election.

Upton is currently serving as the Parliamentary Secretary for the NSW Premier.[1] Upton previously served as the New South Wales Minister for the Environment, the Minister for Local Government, and the Minister for Heritage from January 2017 until March 2019 in the first Berejiklian ministry.[2][3] She also served as the NSW Attorney General between April 2015 and January 2017 in the second Baird government and was the first woman to be appointed as Attorney General.[4] Upton served as the New South Wales Minister for Family and Community Services in the first Baird government during 2014 and 2015;[5] and the Minister for Sport and Recreation during 2013 and 2014.[1]

Background and early career

Upton was born and raised in the Eastern Suburbs of Sydney where she attended Brigidine College in Randwick and the University of New South Wales, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Laws. Upton's career began as a banking and finance lawyer with legal firms Freehill, Hollingdale & Page and DLA Phillips Fox, after being admitted as a solicitor to the Supreme Court of New South Wales and the High Court of Australia in 1988.

Upton moved to live New York City in 1993 where she graduated with a Master of Business Administration (Finance and Management) from the Stern School of Business at New York University, New York.[1] She then worked as a banker with Deutsche Bank and Toronto Dominion Bank in New York financing the energy sector. From 2000 until 2010, Upton was legal counsel at the Australian Institute of Company Directors[1] and a member of CAMAC, the Australian federal government's principal advisory committee on corporations and securities law, between 2006 and 2011.[6] Upton served as Deputy Chancellor at the University of New South Wales from 2006 until 2009, and on the University's Council from 2002 to 2010. From 2005 to 2011, Upton was the Deputy Chair of the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award – Australia and from 2009 to 2011 was Chair of The Friends of The Duke of Edinburgh's Award in Australia; and was also a board member of Neuroscience Research Australia from 2007 to 2011; and a Fellow of the Law Faculty at the University of New South Wales. She is a Fellow of The Australian Institute of Company Directors.[1] Upton is a Fellow of the Royal Society of New South Wales (FRSN).

Neuroscience and mental health advocacy

Upton has spoken out about the need to raise awareness about mental health and in March 2010 gave a speech to Sydney Rotary where she called for a "full gamut" approach to combating mental illness. This speech noted that every day in Australia six to seven people die by suicide, which was 40 per cent higher than deaths caused on the country's roads – a statistic she described as "completely unacceptable".[7] She has written about the prevalence of mental illness among young Australian lawyers and discussed moves by the legal profession to combat mental illness in the law firm workplace.[8]

Political career

Following the earlier announcement that the Liberal sitting member, Peter Debnam, would not re-contest the next state election, Upton won Liberal Party pre-selection for Vaucluse on 26 September 2010.[9] At the 2011 state election, she was elected with a swing of 9.9 points, winning the seat with 81.4 per cent of the two-party preferred vote.[10] Following the election, she was appointed Parliamentary Secretary for Tertiary Education and Skills.[1] In August 2011, she was appointed Chair of the NSW Parliamentary friends of Israel.[11] On 21 August 2013, Upton was appointed as the Minister for Sport and Recreation.

Due to the resignation of Barry O'Farrell as premier in April 2014,[12] and the subsequent ministerial reshuffle by the new Liberal Leader, Mike Baird,[5] Upton was appointed as the Minister for Family and Community Services and relinquished the portfolio of Sport and Recreation.[1][13][14]

Following the 2015 state election, Baird announced that Upton would be Attorney General, becoming the first female Attorney General of New South Wales.[4][15] As Attorney General, Upton introduced a pilot program to help support child witnesses through the court process, using specialist judges to better deal with child sexual assault trials, and experts called "children's champions".[16]

Minister for the Environment, Local Government and Heritage

Following the resignation of Mike Baird as Premier,[17] Gladys Berejiklian was elected Liberal leader and sworn in as Premier.[18][19] Upton became the Minister for the Environment, the Minister for Local Government, and the Minister for Heritage in the Berejiklian ministry.[2]

In October 2017, as heritage minister, Upton refused to list the 1981 Sirius building in The Rocks on the New South Wales State Heritage Register, despite the unanimous recommendation of the Heritage Council of New South Wales. She said: "While the Sirius building is distinctive, in my view, it is not a landmark worthy of state heritage protection."[20] In response, the Chair of the Save Our Sirius Foundation noted that her determination was "an ignorant decision made by an out-of-touch government [...] Upton's only argument and the only thing she cites in her decision is the opinion of a group of private companies the government hired to tell them what they want to hear."[21]

In December 2017, Upton introduced the container deposit scheme called "Return and Earn".[22] It was the single largest initiative undertaken to reduce litter in NSW, and was associated with a 28% drop in litter covered by the container deposit scheme in 2017–18, compared with 2016–17.[23][24]

In May 2018, together with the Premier, Upton announced the $45 Million Koala Strategy, the largest commitment by any state government to increasing the koala population.[25] The package included additional natural habitat for koalas, funding to tackle diseases, improve research and address roadkill hotspots.[26]

In September 2018, a number of concerns were made public over Upton's ability to perform as a minister. Allegations from former staff and other government sources included her "contempt for bureaucrats", suggestions that she was "paralysed by indecision", and claims that "Departmental briefs sat on her desk for months and months without her even looking at them".[27] The month before, Upton came under fire for allowing a significant delay in determining applications for new items to the New South Wales State Heritage Register, with the exception of Hadley Park in Castlereagh, the original home of the family of conservative radio commentator Ray Hadley, thereby fulfilling her obligations under the Heritage Act 1977 "almost entirely in the breach".[28]

Attention also focused on the "toxic environment" of her 12-staff office, with 16 staff members having left in the 18-month period up to September 2018, and one former staffer receiving compensation for severe stress.[27] Separate sources, including fellow government ministers, labelled her as "the weakest performer in the cabinet" and that "her inaction presiding over her former NSW environment portfolio was almost at the level of performance art".[29][30]

Upton was not reappointed to the ministry following the 2019 state election.[3]

Later political career

In October 2019, as Parliamentary Secretary to the Premier Upton was given the responsibility for research and development investment.[31][32] To guide the development of an Action Plan she appointed an Advisory Council chaired by David Gonski[33][34][35][36] Upton has also written on the potential for NSW to be the home of technological innovation.[37]

On 25 January 2021, the NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian, together with Upton, launched the "Turning ideas into Jobs" Accelerating research and development in NSW Action Plan.[38][39][40][41] $26 million was announced as a kick-off funding to support a Small Business Innovation Research program and matchmaking platform.[38]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f g "The Hon. Gabrielle Cecelia Upton MP". Members of the Parliament of New South Wales. Retrieved 11 September 2019.
  2. ^ a b "Refreshed NSW cabinet sworn in". Australia: Sky News. AAP. 30 January 2017. Retrieved 30 January 2017.
  3. ^ a b Sas, Nick (31 March 2019). "Gladys Berejiklian says Liberal Party has no women problem as re-elected NSW Premier shuffles Cabinet". ABC News. Australia. Retrieved 3 April 2019.
  4. ^ a b Hasham, Nicole (3 April 2015). "Premier Mike Baird's new NSW cabinet sworn in: Gladys Berejiklian and Gabrielle Upton first female Treasurer and Attorney-General". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 6 April 2015.
  5. ^ a b Nicholls, Sean (22 April 2014). "Mike Baird's cabinet reshuffle a preparation for next election". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 24 April 2014.
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New South Wales Legislative Assembly
Preceded by Member for Vaucluse
2011–2023 		Succeeded by
Political offices
Preceded by Minister for the Environment
2017–2019 		Succeeded byas Minister for Energy and Environment
Preceded by Minister for Local Government
2017–2019 		Succeeded by
Preceded by Minister for Heritage
2017–2019 		Succeeded by
portfolio abolished
Preceded by Minister for Sport and Recreation
2013–2014 		Succeeded by
Preceded by Minister for Family and Community Services
2014–2015 		Succeeded by
Preceded by Attorney General of New South Wales
2015–2017 		Succeeded by
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Gabrielle_Upton&oldid=1222937081"