Steven James Robert Whan was born on 11 February 1964 and is an Australian politician who has served as Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education since 2023.
19 Facts About Steve Whan
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Steve Whan has represented the electoral district of Monaro in the New South Wales Legislative Assembly for the Labor Party since 2023, after previously representing the seat from 2003 until 2011.
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Steve Whan was a member of the Legislative Council from 2011 to 2015.
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Steve Whan was educated at the Canberra College of Advanced Education.
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Steve Whan graduated in 1985 with a Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences, majoring in Economics and Politics.
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From 1987 to 1988 Steve Whan was assistant private secretary to John Brown, Federal Minister for Arts, Sport, the Environment, Tourism and Territories.
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Steve Whan later worked for senator Bob McMullan until 1992.
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Between 1992 and 1994, Steve Whan worked for Ros Kelly, Federal Minister for Environment, Sport and Territories.
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Steve Whan worked for the Australian Sports Commission from 1994 to 2001, and subsequently became a consultant on community relations and sport, before being preselected as a Labor candidate for the New South Wales Legislative Assembly.
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Steve Whan was elected as the member for NSW state seat of Monaro at the 2003 state election.
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Steve Whan guaranteed record levels of funding to the Kings Highway, increased local Rural Fire Service staffing numbers and new fire trucks, as well as funding to several local community organisations.
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In January 2009, Steve Whan was appointed as the Minister for Emergency Services, Small Business and Rural Affairs in the Rees ministry.
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Steve Whan guaranteed stock and fodder subsidies for farmers and drought declaration assistance.
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Steve Whan oversaw the introduction of kilojoule labelling for fast-food chain restaurants so that customers were aware of the kilojoule content of the foods they were purchasing.
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At the 2011 state election, Steve Whan was defeated in Monaro by a margin of 2 per cent, which was one of the lowest anti-Labor swings in the state.
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Less than three months later, Steve Whan was appointed to the Legislative Council to fill a casual vacancy, succeeding Tony Kelly.
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Steve Whan was immediately promoted to the shadow cabinet, becoming the shadow minister for Resources and Primary Industries, shadow Special Minister of State, and shadow minister for Tourism, Major Events, Hospitality and Racing.
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At the 2015 election, Steve Whan was defeated for the second time by sitting member John Barilaro, by a margin of 2.53 points.
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Steve Whan served for five months as Government Whip in the New South Wales Legislative Assembly before being appointed as Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education in the Minns ministry.