Steph Ryan
{{Short description|Australian politician}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2015}}
{{Use Australian English|date=June 2015}}
{{Infobox officeholder
| honorific-prefix =
| name = Steph Ryan
| honorific-suffix = MP
| image =
| alt =
| caption =
| office = Deputy Leader of the National Party in Victoria
| leader = Peter Walsh
| term_start = 3 December 2014
| term_end = 6 July 2022
| predecessor = Peter Walsh
| successor = Emma Kealy
| office6 = Member of the Victorian Legislative Assembly for Euroa
| term_start6 = 29 November 2014
| term_end6 = 26 November 2022
| predecessor6 = Electorate established
| successor6 = Annabelle Cleeland
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|df=y|1986|6|20}}
| birth_place = Murchison, Victoria, Australia
| death_date =
| death_place =
| restingplace =
| birthname = Stephanie Maureen Ryan
| nationality = Australian
| party = National
| partner =
| spouse = {{marriage|Simon Huggins|2016}}
| relations =
| alma_mater = RMIT University
| residence = Avenel, Victoria, Australia{{cite news |last=Ilanbey |first=Sumeyya |date=1 March 2020 |title=Victoria's Nationals face an uphill battle. Is Steph Ryan the answer? |url=https://www.theage.com.au/politics/victoria/victoria-s-nationals-face-an-uphill-battle-is-steph-ryan-the-answer-20200227-p54507.html |work=The Age |location= |access-date=}}
| occupation = {{hlist|Journalist|Media advisor|Politician}}
| website = {{URL|http://www.stephryan.com.au/}}
}}
Stephanie Maureen Ryan{{cite web |url=https://new.parliament.vic.gov.au/members/steph-ryan/?tab=panel-about |title=Ms Steph Ryan |last= |first= |date= |website=new.parliament.vic.gov.au |publisher=Parliament of Victoria |access-date= |quote= }} (born 20 June 1986) is a former Australian politician. She was a National Party member of the Victorian Legislative Assembly from 2014 to 2022, representing the Legislative Assembly seat of Euroa.{{Cite web|url = http://www.abc.net.au/news/vic-election-2014/guide/lowa/|title = Lowan Results|access-date = 6 December 2014|website = ABC News}}
During her time as member of parliament, Ryan also served as the deputy leader of the party from November 2014 to July 2022.
Early career
Prior to her election to Parliament, Ryan previously worked as a journalist and political adviser to various state MPs including Liberal Premier Ted Baillieu{{Cite web|url = https://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-08-08/coalition-puts-up-united-front-despite-euroa-rift/5658350|title = Victorian Coalition puts up united front despite rift over Euroa contest|access-date = 1 March 2020|website = ABC News|date = 8 August 2014}} and members of the Victorian Nationals' leadership team prior to her own election.
Political career
On 3 December 2014, Ryan was elected as deputy leader of the Nationals in the Victorian Parliament.{{Cite web|url = http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/2014/12/03/walsh-ryan-new-vic-nats-leadership-duo|title = Walsh, Ryan new Vic Nats leadership duo|access-date = 6 December 2014|website = SBS News}} On 17 December, she was made Shadow Minister for Training, Skills and Apprenticeships and Shadow Minister for Young Victorians.{{Cite web|url = http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-12-17/victorian-coalition-announces-their-shadow-cabinet/5973004|title = Victorian Coalition announces shadow cabinet of 24, with 10 new faces, led by Matthew Guy|access-date = 18 December 2014|website = ABC News|date = 17 December 2014}} Following the 2018 election Ryan was given the portfolios of Water, Public Transport (Regional), Gaming and Liquor Regulation.{{Cite web|url = https://vic.liberal.org.au/news/2018-12-17/liberal-nationals-shadow-cabinet|title = LIBERAL NATIONALS SHADOW CABINET|access-date = 1 March 2020|website = The Age}}
After her election to Victorian Parliament in 2014, the Nationals party room immediately elected Ryan to the deputy leadership, becoming the first woman in the Victorian Nationals to hold a parliamentary leadership position.{{Cite news |date=2014-12-03 |title=Walsh takes over as Nationals leader with new MP as deputy |language=en-AU |work=ABC News |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-12-03/walsh-takes-over-as-nationals-leader-with-new-mp-as-deputy/5938974 |access-date=2022-07-04}}
In 2016 the Victorian Coroner returned a controversial closed case verdict in the tragic death of Phoebe Handsjuk which led Ryan to use her parliamentary platform to call for the Attorney-General to reopen the inquiry into her death due to community concern around the management of the inquiry. Ryan headed calls to broaden the rights of appeal, in line with the wishes of Handsjuk's family who believed an open finding was necessary.{{Cite web |last=Bachelard |first=Richard Baker, Michael |date=2016-11-11 |title=Review Phoebe Handsjuk inquest finding, says Nationals deputy leader |url=https://www.smh.com.au/national/review-phoebe-inquest-finding-says-nationals-deputy-leader-20161111-gsn5w7.html |access-date=2022-07-04 |website=The Sydney Morning Herald |language=en}}
At the 2018 Victorian election which saw the Andrews Government retain power with an increased majority, Ryan was just one of a handful of Coalition MPs returned with a positive swing, contrary to the swing away from the Coalition in the majority of the state.{{Cite web |last=Colebatch |first=Tim |date=2018-11-25 |title=Out of touch with reality: How the Liberals lost so badly |url=https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/out-of-touch-with-reality-how-the-liberals-lost-so-badly-20181125-p50i9c.html |access-date=2022-07-04 |website=The Age |language=en}}
Ryan was outed in 2019 as one of three Nationals MPs who had appointed family members to taxpayer-funded jobs in their electorate offices, having employed her mother on a casual basis at taxpayer expense between 2014 and 2018.{{Cite web|url = https://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/victoria/several-victorian-mps-have-used-family-members-in-taxpayerfunded-roles/news-story/97bd065a4f79806e6dca86f382767585|title = Several Victorian MPs have used family members in taxpayer-funded roles|date = 19 July 2019|access-date = 14 May 2020|website = Herald Sun|publisher = Herald & Weekly Times Ltd|last =Minear |first =Tom }}
Liberal MP Wendy Lovell castigated Ryan in a private WhatsApp group for Victorian Coalition MPs for engaging in "low tactics" and "hypocrisy" in mid-2021 after revelations emerged that the Nationals had engaged in the unlawful practice of cybersquatting on domain names using the name of independent Mildura MP Ali Cupper, which sought to redirect internet users to a National Party website containing negative material about Cupper.{{cite web |last1=Smethurst |first1=Annika |title=Leaked WhatsApp messages show Coalition infighting over 'low' tactics |url=https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/low-leaked-texts-disclose-coalition-feud-over-fake-domain-names-20210531-p57ws0.html |website=The Age |date=6 June 2021 |publisher=Fairfax Media |access-date=27 June 2021}}{{cite web |last1=Taylor |first1=Matt |title=Victorian Coalition regional MPs squabble over domain names |url=https://www.sunraysiadaily.com.au/politics/4397229?slug=victorian-coalition-regional-mps-squabble-over-domain-names |website=Sunraysia Daily |date=9 June 2021 |publisher=Fairfax Media |access-date=27 June 2021}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com.au/politics/domain-name-row-between-victorian-liberals-and-nationals|title=Domain name row between Victorian Liberals and Nationals|date=11 June 2021}} Ryan denied that there was anything low about cybersquatting. Cupper, meanwhile, said that her constituents were not impressed by the games and distractions which the Nationals had engaged in.
In the aftermath of Barnaby Joyce returning as federal Nationals leader and deputy prime minister, Ryan and Victorian party leader, Peter Walsh, expressed concern about the change, given Joyce's lack of commitment to action on climate change.{{Cite web|url=https://www.sbs.com.au/news/fears-that-barnaby-joyce-s-return-as-nationals-leader-will-alienate-women|title = Fears that Barnaby Joyce's return as Nationals leader will alienate women}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.weeklytimesnow.com.au/news/national/barnaby-joyce-farm-groups-silent-on-joyces-return-to-nationals-leadership/news-story/0da32c23d15180ae0e8e5001631006f8|title=Subscribe to the Weekly Times}} Ryan consistently advocated for a more ambitious climate change target at a federal level before a net zero position was adopted, calling on her federal colleagues to follow the Victorian Nationals' greener position on climate change.{{Cite web |last=Towell |first=Sumeyya Ilanbey, Noel |date=2020-02-29 |title=Emissions targets not 'ambitious enough': Nationals' Steph Ryan |url=https://www.theage.com.au/politics/victoria/emissions-targets-not-ambitious-enough-nationals-steph-ryan-20200228-p545ft.html |access-date=2022-07-04 |website=The Age |language=en}} It subsequently emerged that the Victorian Nationals' leadership sought disaffiliation from the Federal Nationals in protest at the lack of climate change policy, but the state party's management board rejected the motion.{{cite news |last=Baxendale |first=Rachel |date=2021-07-02 |title=Victorian Nationals sought disaffiliation from federal party over Barnaby Joyce |url=https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/politics/victorian-nationals-sought-disaffiliation-from-federal-party-over-barnaby-joyce/news-story/cf2e614aa1f979907a1b6ae28f4e75e8 |work=The Australian |access-date=2021-07-02}} Ryan also expressed frustration that Victorian Nationals Senator Bridget McKenzie had voted for Joyce's return to the leadership and had won promotion to Cabinet at the expense of Gippsland MP Darren Chester, even though McKenzie's promotion resulted in a new record being set for the number of women in an Australian federal cabinet.{{Cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2021/jun/27/barnaby-joyce-shifts-old-foes-and-rewards-bridget-mckenzie-and-andrew-gee-in-nationals-ministerial-reshuffle|title = Barnaby Joyce shifts old foes and rewards Bridget McKenzie and Andrew Gee in Nationals ministerial reshuffle|website = TheGuardian.com|date = 27 June 2021}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-07-02/victorian-nationals-rift-with-federal-colleagues-barnaby-joyce/100263620|title='Voters are asking us to do more': Victorian Nationals push back on Joyce's climate policy|newspaper=ABC News|date=2 July 2021}}
In her role as Shadow Minister for Liquor and Gaming, Ryan successfully pressured the Andrews Government into a Royal Commission to investigate the behaviour of Crown Casino, which uncovered a range of poor behaviour by the casino operator, despite the government limiting the scope of the inquiry.{{Cite web |last=Eddie |first=Patrick Hatch, Annika Smethurst, Rachel |date=2021-10-25 |title=Crown to keep Melbourne licence despite 'alarming, disgraceful' breaches |url=https://www.smh.com.au/business/companies/crown-unfit-but-should-keep-melbourne-casino-licence-royal-commission-finds-20211026-p5933a.html |access-date=2022-07-04 |website=The Sydney Morning Herald |language=en}}
Ryan called for improved regional infrastructure, including roads and public transport as well as greater access to health services, in particular mental health.{{Cite web |title=Ryan calls for immediate mental health reform |url=https://www.stephryan.com.au/ryan_calls_for_immediate_mental_health_reform |access-date=2022-07-04 |website=Steph Ryan}}{{Cite web |title=Benalla mental health services |url=https://www.stephryan.com.au/benalla_mental_health_services |access-date=2022-07-04 |website=Steph Ryan}}
In July 2022 Ryan announced she was resigning from the deputy leadership and her shadow ministerial positions, while pregnant with her second child. She stated that she would also not recontest the upcoming election, citing family and a more flexible employment as reasons for her retirement.{{cite web |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-07-06/steph-ryan-deputy-leader-of-victorian-nationals-resigns/101212172 |title=Steph Ryan resigns as deputy leader of Victorian Nationals ahead of state election |last3=Rollason |first3=Bridget |last2=Smyrk |first2=Katherine |last1=Ortolan |first1=Mikaela |date=6 July 2022 |website= |publisher=ABC News |access-date= |quote= }}{{cite web |url=https://www.kyfreepress.com.au/news/steph-ryan-steps-down-from-nationals-2/ |title=Steph Ryan steps down from Nationals |last=Thomson |first=Nicole |date=11 July 2022 |website= |publisher=Kyabram Free Press |access-date= |quote= }} Emma Kealy took over her position of Deputy Leader.{{cite web |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-07-12/emma-kealy-is-the-deputy-leader-of-the-victorian-nationals/101229322 |title=Emma Kealy takes over from Steph Ryan as deputy leader of the Victorian Nationals |last1=Darling |first1=Alexander |last2=Lowe |first2=Rebekah |date=12 July 2022 |website= |publisher=ABC News |access-date= |quote= }}
Personal life
In 2016 Ryan married her long-term partner, former Australian Labor Party City of Yarra Councillor Simon Huggins.{{Cite web|url = https://www.pressreader.com/australia/mcivor-times/20141217/281479274758734|title = Ryan puts Heathcote high on her 'must' list|access-date = 1 March 2020|website = The McIvor Times}}{{Cite web|url = https://issuu.com/mcphersonmediagroup/docs/bella_magazine__issue_2__2016_april|title = If you can't stand the heat, stay out of the kitchen|access-date = 1 March 2020|website = Bella| date=18 April 2016 |publisher = The Riverine Times}} According to Ryan, it took her more than three years of asking before Huggins agreed to go out with her.{{Cite web|url = https://issuu.com/mcphersonmediagroup/docs/bella_magazine__issue_2__2016_april|title = If you can't stand the heat, stay out of the kitchen|access-date = 1 March 2020|website = Bella| date=18 April 2016 |publisher = The Riverine Times}} The relationship attracted much interest in the media given Ryan's status as deputy leader of Victoria's oldest anti-Labor political party and Huggins being a member of the Labor Left and strident advocate for LGBTI issues.{{Cite web|url = https://www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/inner-east/rainbow-crossing-tipped-for-smith-st-collingwood-under-council-plan/news-story/4ccd1a9dc1a69b19a1ac10f303b0ad21|title = Rainbow crossing tipped for Smith St, Collingwood under council plan|access-date = 1 March 2020|website = Daily Telegraph|last =Price |first =Nic |date = 13 June 2013}}{{Cite web|url = https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/new-nationals-mp-stephanie-ryan-breaks-the-country-partys-mould-20141203-11z7qj.html|title = New Nationals MP Stephanie Ryan breaks the country party's mould|access-date = 1 March 2020|website = The Age|last =Gray |first =Darren |date = 3 December 2014}}
Ryan is a distant relative of Ned Kelly{{cite web |last1=Gray |first1=Darren |title=Such is life for candidate |url=https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/such-is-life-for-candidate-20140516-38frd.html |website=The Age |date=16 May 2014 |publisher=Fairfax Media |access-date=27 May 2021}}{{cite web |last1=Gray |first1=Darren |title=New Nationals MP Stephanie Ryan breaks the country party's mould |url=https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/new-nationals-mp-stephanie-ryan-breaks-the-country-partys-mould-20141203-11z7qj.html |website=The Age |date=3 December 2014 |publisher=Fairfax Media |access-date=10 September 2021}} and of former National Party federal president, John Tanner.{{Cite web|url=https://realfreedomnews.com/responses-to-recent-stories/|title = Responses to recent stories - Real Freedom News|date = 19 January 2022}}
References
{{Reflist|30em}}
External links
- {{Official website|http://www.stephryan.com.au/}}
{{s-start}}
{{s-par|au-vic-la}}
|-
{{s-non|reason=New seat}}
{{s-ttl|title=Member for Euroa|years=2014–2022}}
{{s-aft|after=Annabelle Cleeland}}
{{s-ppo}}
{{s-bef|before=Peter Walsh}}
{{s-ttl|title=Deputy Leader of the National Party in Victoria|years=2014–2022}}
{{s-aft|after=Emma Kealy}}
{{s-end}}
{{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Ryan, Steph}}
Category:Australian people of Irish descent
Category:National Party of Australia members of the Parliament of Victoria
Category:Members of the Victorian Legislative Assembly
Category:RMIT University alumni
Category:21st-century Australian politicians
Category:Women members of the Victorian Legislative Assembly