Biography – Nathan Rees

Nathan Rees became Premier of NSW and Minister for the Arts on 5 September 2008.

He also became Minister for the Central Coast in September 2009.

Nathan’s key priorities as Premier include:

• Strong economic management, including retaining the State’s Triple A credit rating
• Delivering the nation’s largest infrastructure program
• Attracting investment and protecting jobs
• Effective delivery of services for the people of NSW 
• Greater assistance for the disadvantaged, especially the homeless
  

Education and employment
Nathan grew up in Western Sydney and completed his secondary education at Northmead High School, followed by an apprenticeship in horticulture at Parramatta City Council where he worked as a greenkeeper.

He worked nights as a garbage collector while studying English Literature at the University of Sydney, graduating with an Honours degree in 1994.

Nathan worked for the NSW and Commonwealth Governments in a variety of roles including as a ministerial advisor and Chief of Staff.

Public life
Nathan was elected as the Member for Toongabbie in the NSW Parliament in March 2007, representing the area where he grew up and still resides with his wife, Stacey.

Immediately following his election, Nathan was appointed to Cabinet, with Ministerial responsibility for the portfolios of Emergency Services and Water.

As Minister for Emergency Services, Nathan lead the recovery efforts following the storms and floods that affected the Hunter, Central Coast, North Coast and Western Sydney in 2007.

As Minister for Water, Nathan implemented a long-term plan to secure Sydney’s water supplies including large-scale recycling, desalination, storm water harvesting and water saving. He also initiated measures to help drought-proof country towns and regional centres.