During her business career, Jenny was a strong advocate for improving environmental practice in business, being one of the first coach operators in Australia to participate in carbon offset schemes. She was also a strong supporter of Australian owned tourism businesses and Australian manufacturing, supporting the local bus industry in Australia. 

Jenny is currently Minister for Regional Transport and Roads and has served in Shadow Cabinet since 2016 in the following portfolios:

• Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault
• Small Business
• Women
• Primary Industries
• Investment & Tourism
• Medical Research

Committed to equality and community

Elected as Chair of the NSW Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians Branch from 2015-2019, Jenny was the elected Deputy Chair of the Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians Australia from 2016-2019. Jenny helped establish and was the Foundation President of the Women’s Network Hunter (NSW) in 2005.

In addition to the Women’s Network Hunter, Jenny was a member of a number of community organisations prior to her election to Parliament including the Rotary Club of Maitland Sunrise, Maitland BPW, Maitland Regional Art Gallery, and on the committee of Shamrock Hill Early Learning and Long Day Care Centre.  She also regularly held fundraising events for the Cancer Council and other charities.

A strong advocate on health

With the support of unions and the community, Jenny led and won a 7 year campaign against the Liberals' and Nationals' secret plans to privatise the new Maitland Hospital. Jenny has also gained additional funding for more ambulance services in Maitland and seen the completion of an upgraded ambulance station and regional fire station in Maitland during her term of Government.

Committed to quality education

Jenny has been a strong advocate for new schools in Maitland.  The NSW Liberals and Nationals did not build one additional school in government from 2011 to 2023. Whilst Jenny has successfully fought for the expansion and upgrades to schools across Maitland, including Rutherford Public, Ashtonfield and Gillieston Heights. Jenny continues to advocate for investment in our local public schools.

Building resilience in the face of natural disasters

The Hunter’s April 2015 Super Storms which impacted on Maitland happened in the first weeks of Jenny’s first term in Parliament. She has been a strong advocate for impacted communities, individuals and businesses, particularly local farmers during natural disasters both as the Member for Maitland and in various Shadow Ministerial portfolios across the state. Jenny has supported the establishment of the Community Resilience Team in Gillieston Heights, a community of over 5,000 people in her electorate which has been isolated for over a week twice in the last ten years.

Working hard for community
In addition to her role in establishing the Women’s Network Hunter (NSW), Jenny was a member of a number of community organisations prior to her election to Parliament including the Rotary Club of Maitland Sunrise, Maitland Regional Art Gallery.  She also regularly held fundraising events for the Cancer Council and other charities.

As the Member for Maitland, Jenny retains her commitment to supporting charities and volunteers.