The Lower House of the NSW Parliament erupted with cheers in a bipartisan show of support as Ms Liesl Tesch AM was sworn in as the member for Gosford on Tuesday, May 2.
Seven time Paralympian, Ms Tesch, was elected to the NSW Parliament in the Gosford by-election to fill the seat of Ms Kathy Smith MP, who was forced to retire due to ill health.
Considered one of the most marginal seats in the state with a 0.2 per cent lead for Labor prior to the election, Ms Tesch brought home a swing of over 11 per cent.
The popular high school teacher from Woy Woy is the first wheelchair parliamentarian elected to the NSW Legislative Assembly.
An active advocate for the region and social justice, Ms Tesch has wasted no time in immersing herself in her new role.
Before even receiving keys to her new office or being placed on the payroll, so to speak, she was already talking to community leaders about issues such as homeless veterans in the region.
Ms Tesch was excited as she wheeled through the foyer of Parliament House ready to take her oath to serve the people of Gosford and NSW.
Source:
Event notes, May 2
NSW Legislative Assembly
Noel Fisher, Photo journalist