FORMER Naracoorte local Lucy Hood\u2019s meteoric rise in the South Australian Labor Party continued last month when the Member for Adelaide was elevated to the ministry, taking on the Climate, Environment and Water portfolio in Premier Peter Malinauskas\u2019s latest cabinet reshuffle.<\/p>\n
It heralds another chapter in the career of Lucy, who has community service in her blood.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen you grow up in the South East, community is in your DNA,\u201d Minister Hood said. \u201cGiving back is something that\u2019s not often spoken about directly \u2013 it\u2019s simply just done. Whether that\u2019s volunteering at your sporting club, helping out a neighbour or mate, or being a member of a service group or other community organisation. My upbringing has fostered a life-long commitment to giving back to our beautiful state in any way I can.\u201d<\/p>\n
It makes the environment portfolio a perfect fit.<\/p>\n
\u201cMuch of my childhood was spent playing in Mary Seymour Conservation Park in Bool Lagoon, at the Naracoorte Caves and along the Naracoorte Creek, with summers spent at Kingston or Robe,\u201d Minister Hood said. \u201cOur society and economy are dependent on a healthy environment, and I am passionate about ensuring more people can get outdoors and enjoy nature. This will drive me every day.\u201d<\/p>\n
And she is in the hot seat right from the get go, given the State\u2019s algal bloom and the associated issues for the wider community.<\/p>\n
\u201cI will be a strong voice for communities affected by the unprecedented algal bloom, and champion our local small businesses and seafood industry,\u201d Minister Hood said. \u201cAt all times, I will be guided by the scientific evidence.\u201d<\/p>\n
Aside from the pressing issue of the algal bloom, Minister Hood also has one eye on the potential hosting of the international COP 31 climate conference.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur state is leading the nation, and indeed the world, in addressing climate change and reducing emissions,\u201d she said. \u201cI hope to showcase this work, and prepare our city, should Australia\u2019s bid to host the international COP 31 climate conference be successful.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur local community cares deeply about climate, biodiversity and sustainability, which is why as local MP I have established new Pocket Parks and invested in community infrastructure like our brand-new Aquatic Centre that will be 100 per cent powered by renewable energy and return 1000sqm of Park Lands.\u201d<\/p>\n
Her new role will no doubt see Minister Hood facing off against brother and Shadow Minister for Government Accountability Ben Hood more regularly.<\/p>\n
What she does know for sure, is she has a mountain of support as she takes this next step in her political career.<\/p>\n
\u201cI am truly grateful for the many kind messages and calls I\u2019ve received since taking on this portfolio, and it is a privilege to serve as Minister and hit the ground running to support South Australians across our beautiful state.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
FORMER Naracoorte local Lucy Hood\u2019s meteoric rise in the South Australian Labor Party continued last month when the Member for Adelaide was elevated to the ministry, taking on the Climate, Environment and Water portfolio in Premier Peter Malinauskas\u2019s latest cabinet reshuffle. It heralds another chapter in the career of Lucy, who has community service in […]<\/p>\n