Noreen Hay

Background

Hay was born in London into a working-class family of practising Christians.

Career

She represented Wollongong for the Australian Labor Party since 2003. In July 2015, Hay stood down as NSW Opposition whip due to allegations of electoral fraud and branch stacking. She was the second eldest of five children to parents Nora and Tadg Herlihy, who had migrated to the United Kingdom from Cork, Ireland.

Hay enrolled in Wollongong Technical and Further Education and subsequently found employment with the NSW Home Care Service, caring for the elderly and bedridden in Wollongong"s outer suburbs.

She became a union official and regional secretary of the Miscellaneous Workers" Union and worked as an electorate officer to Jennie George, the Federal Member for Throsby. Following the 2007 election, Hay was appointed Parliamentary Secretary to Health Minister Reba Meagher.

She was stood down in February 2008 by the Premier Iemma being named in an Independent Commission Against Corruption inquiry into Wollongong Council. Hay was re-appointed in March 2008 after being cleared by the Independent Commission Against Corruption. Both Brown and Hay denied the allegations.

Achievements

• In 2002, she won ALP preselection from the sitting member, Colonel Markham, and was the first woman elected for the seat of Wollongong.

Politics

State Premier Nathan Rees dismissed Noreen Hay from her position as Parliamentary Secretary for Health on 12 September 2008 after allegations arose that she participated in simulated mammary intercourse with Police Minister Matt Brown at an office party in June.