13 Facts About Eleni Petinos

Eleni Marie Petinos is an Australian state politician in New South Wales.

Eleni Petinos served as the Minister for Small Business and the Minister for Fair Trading in the Perrottet ministry from December 2021 until her Ministry was ceased on 31 July 2022 by NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet after allegations of her mistreatment and bullying of staff came to light.

Eleni Petinos is currently a member of Mark Speakman's Shadow Ministry, serving as Shadow Minister for Finance, and Shadow Minister for Sport.

Eleni Petinos graduated from the University of New South Wales with a bachelor of jurisprudence, bachelor of laws and a graduate diploma of legal practice.

Eleni Petinos was a member of the Liberal right faction when pre-selected, but switched to the moderates faction after the 2015 election, encouraged by her mentor, Sutherland Shire councillor Kent Johns.

Eleni Petinos was the chair of the Legislative Assembly Committee on Transport and Infrastructure between April 2017 and March 2019.

Eleni Petinos was a parliamentary secretary for transport and roads from April 2019 until December 2021.

In December 2021, Eleni Petinos was sworn in as the Minister for Small Business and as the Minister for Fair Trading in the Perrottet ministry, serving as a minister for seven months prior to her dismissal.

Eleni Petinos denied engaging in bullying but apologised if her behaviour caused offence or discomfort, and indicated her intention to stay on in politics as a state member of parliament despite the controversy that led to her sacking.

The New South Wales Legislative Council is investigating the circumstances of then Minister Eleni Petinos meeting with a construction company which was employing former deputy premier John Barilaro and had been the subject of stop-work orders made by the Building Commissioner.

Eleni Petinos has denied suggestions she interfered with the issuing of the orders.

Eleni Petinos had earlier been involved in other controversies relating to personal conduct, including claims she had an affair with a Liberal parliamentary colleague Matt Kean and had vomited in the back of then deputy premier John Barilaro's chauffeured government car after a rugby league state of origin match.

Eleni Petinos subsequently paid for the costs of cleaning the ministerial car.