The Hon. Tony Kelly, ALGA MLC Minister for Lands Minister for Primary Industries

Biography

Born in Wellington, Tony Kelly is married to Anne with two sons and a grandson.

Tony and Anne still live in Wellington where they run irrigation farms producing lucerne hay, vegetables and cattle. Their property is located on both sides of the Bell River and is a local State Emergency Service contact in times of flood.

Tony is also a member of both the Neurea and Mount Arthur Rural Fire Service Brigades.

After completing secondary school at St Stanislaus College in Bathurst, Tony worked as a clerk in the Department of Lands.

In 1967, he joined Wellington Council where he held various positions including paymaster, accountant and deputy shire clerk, then finally general manager.

Tony served for six months as a member of the NSW Legislative Council in 1987-88, before returning to Wellington Council where he became Wellington Council’s first general manager in 1993.

In 1997, after 30 years in local government, he left Wellington Council after his election to the NSW Legislative Council, where he still serves.

He was elected Deputy President of the Legislative Council, and also served as Chairman of Committees and Chairman of the Standing Committee on State Development.

In March 2003, Tony was elevated to the Ministry, where he was responsible for Rural Affairs, Local Government, Emergency Services, Lands and as Leader of the House in the Legislative Council. He was also appointed Assistant Minister for Natural Resources.

In August, 2005 he became Minister for Justice, Juvenile Justice, Emergency Services, Lands and Rural Affairs, as well as retaining the position of Leader of the House in the Legislative Council.

In November, 2006 he became the first Minister for Volunteering, in addition to his existing portfolios.

At the March 2007 election Tony retained the portfolios of Rural Affairs and Lands – which was expanded to include Western Lands. He was also given responsibility for Regional Development, as well as retaining his position as Leader of the House in the Legislative Council, and Vice-President of the Executive Council.

In September 2008, under the premiership of Nathan Rees, Tony was appointed Minister for Police until September 2009. He has retained his existing Lands portfolio.

Tony’s parliamentary role as Leader of the House in the Legislative Council, was expanded to include Deputy Leader of the Government in the Legislative Council.

Some of Tony’s key interests centre around sustainable regional development in country NSW, as well as the development of a mature biofuel industry in Australia.

Tony is inspired in his service to the community by social justice principles.

His other passions include his family, Irish history and culture – particularly the story of the Irish in Australia, as well as cycling, golfing and skiing.