Learn more about Sid

Sid has lived on the North West Coast since 1975, is married to Bronwyn (a college teacher) and has two sons, Julian and William. He resides in the village of Forth - between Devonport and Ulverstone - in a cottage built in 1875.

Always actively involved in community affairs, Sid is currently a life member and patron of the Devonport Choral Society, and patron of the Leven Yacht Club, the Ulverstone Repertory Society, and the Burnie and Leven sub-branches of the National Servicemen's Association. He is also an experienced director of musical theatre and an enthusiastic thespian – a passion he continues to pursue. A keen sportsperson and supporter of community sport and recreation, Sid was chairman of the Ulverstone Basketball Association (the Hoppers) for 13 years until recently when he retired.

Sid has always been particularly interested in education and learning and was a senior secondary college teacher and administrator until 1998 when he was elected to Federal Parliament as the Labor MP for Braddon – a seat held by the Liberals for 25 years. He held the seat of Braddon between 1998 and 2004 and was appointed a Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Primary Industry, Resources and Energy, and for the Arts. In 2004, Sid and Labor lost the seat of Braddon, but regained it in 2007. In the interim Sid worked for Kim Beazley and Senator Nick Sherry and successfully completed post-graduate studies in International Relations through Deakin University.

During the last term and until recently, Sid was appointed to the Speakers' Panel of the House of Representatives as well as membership of the Parliament's committees related to Primary Industries and Resources, Education and Training, and the Joint Committee on Publications. He was also, until recently, an active member of Labor's Caucus committees associated with primary industries, resources, regional development, education and training, and health and social policy.

In the 43rd National Parliament, Sid was re-appointed to the Speakers' Panel of the House of Representatives as well as membership of the House of Representatives Procedures Committee. In addition, he was also elected Deputy Chair of the new House of Representatives Regional Australia Committee representing the new Minister for Regional Australia, the Hon Simon Crean MP. Sid was also an active member of Labor's Caucus committees associated with agriculture, resources, regional development, education and training, and health and social policy. In Tasmania, Sid was appointed as Chairman of the Tasmanian Black Spot Consultative Panel.

Sid accepted the new position of Parliamentary Secretary for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry on 12 December 2011.  Sid’s portfolio responsibilities are in the areas of forestry, dairy as well as skills and education in agriculture. The role also has other administrative duties, such as delivering legislation to the Governor General to be signed.