Career
From 3 April 2011 to 28 August 2013 he was the Minister for Sport and Recreation in the O"Farrell Government. Annesley is the chief executive officer of the Gold Coast Titans team in the National Rugby League. Annesley is a former chief operating officer of the National Rugby League, and a former leading rugby league referee.
Annesley commenced his rugby league career with the Parramatta District Rugby League Referees Association.
Starting as a 13-year-old referee, Annesley also undertook later administrative roles in the Association, including Secretary (1979–1980) and President (1985–1988). Rising through the refereeing ranks, Annesley became a first grade referee in 1982.
Between 1982 and 1997 he controlled 244 first-grade matches and six finals matches. He is ranked number 12 in the list of all-time first grade matches refereed.
Annesley"s notable representative appointments include the 1994 State of Origin and test matches between Great Britain and Australia, also in 1994.
Annesley"s business career included appointments with Doctor of Humane Letters Worldwide Express, McWilliams Wines, Totalisator Agency Board (Technical Assistance Board) and the Roads and Traffic Authority. He became a full-time sports administrator in 1995 as director of football for the NRL, promoted to chief operating officer in 2002. Annesley is credited with introducing the video referee system in 1996.
Away from rugby league, Annesley is an Australia Day ambassador for Liverpool Shire Council.
Pre-selected by the Liberal Party to contest Miranda at the 2007 state election, Annesley was defeated by the sitting Labor member Barry Collier by a margin of 603 votes. As Collier retired at the election, Annesley"s main competitor was Therese Cook, representing Labor.
Annesley was subsequently appointed Minister for Sport and Recreation in the O"Farrell–Stoner coalition government. On 28 August 2013 he announced his resignation as Minister for Sport and Recreation and his intention to resign from Parliament to become Chief Executive Officer of the Gold Coast Titans, triggering a 2013 Miranda by-election on 19 October.
Annesley in his resignation to Parliament said he never regarded himself as a politician and that there were many aspects of politics he did not care for and he has always felt more at home as a sports administrator.
