newy.com.au – NSW Premier Chris Minns has asked Hunter upper house MP Emily Suvaal to seek Labor’s nomination for Wallsend at the 2027 state election, drawing support from retiring MP Sonia Hornery
Suvaal is a member of the NSW Legislative Council and a former paediatric nurse. She is raising her family in the Hunter and has represented frontline nurses at John Hunter Hospital and Calvary Mater Newcastle.
Minns pointed to her healthcare experience and work in Parliament as reasons for his support.
“She knows the health system, she knows the pressures families are under, and she’s already made a strong contribution as a member of the NSW Parliament.”
Hornery, who has represented Wallsend for almost 20 years, praised Suvaal’s work in local hospitals and her advocacy for nurses and healthcare workers.
“I know she will work hard every day to stand up for the people of Wallsend,” Hornery said.
Suvaal welcomed Minns’ invitation and acknowledged Hornery’s record as the local member.
“Sonia has been a fierce advocate for the people of Wallsend for almost 20 years. She’s never been afraid to stand up for her community, and if I’m given the opportunity to follow in her footsteps, I know I’ll have big shoes to fill.”
Suvaal said pressures on families and hospital staff remained despite the government’s progress.
“I know firsthand the pressures facing local families and the people working in our hospitals. We’ve made progress, but there’s still a lot more work to do.”
Suvaal told ABC Breakfast Radio she intends to move to the Wallsend Electorate if elected.
Minns said the government had added 635 nurses and 117 paramedics across the region since 2023. He also cited investment in the John Hunter Health and Innovation Precinct, public preschools at Maryland Public School and Shortland Public School, and the M1 Pacific Motorway extension to Raymond Terrace among its work for Wallsend and the Hunter.
