Hugh McDermott (politician)
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Dr Hugh McDermott MP |
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|---|---|
| Member of the New South Wales Parliament for Prospect |
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Assumed office 28 March 2015 |
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| Preceded by | Seat created |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Paul Joseph Hugh McDermott 15 June 1968 Sydney, New South Wales, Australia |
| Nationality | Australian |
| Political party | Australian Labor Party |
| Spouse(s) | Bettina McMahon |
| Children | Three daughters |
| Residence | Greystanes |
| Alma mater |
University of Technology Sydney The University of Sydney King's College London |
| Occupation | State Member for Prospect |
| Profession | Barrister-at-Law |
| Website | hughmcdermott.com |
University of Technology Sydney
The University of Sydney
Paul Joseph Hugh McDermott (born 15 June 1968) is an Australian politician who was elected to the New South Wales Legislative Assembly as the State Member for Prospect for the Australian Labor Party at the 2015 New South Wales state election. Prior to entering Parliament he had a career as an international lawyer and university academic.
Hugh McDermott was born in Sydney but grew up in Central and Southern Queensland. He attended a number of primary schools in his childhood before attending and graduating from Miami State High School. After leaving school McDermott worked blue collar or semi-skilled jobs including as a jackeroo in central Queensland and north-western NSW, a barman in the Whitsundays, and an office clerk in Brisbane.
He moved to Armidale, NSW, at 19, to attend The University of New England and studied for a BA in Politics and Economic History. He became active in student politics, being elected as President of the UNE Students Association and Representative Council in 1989. He continued his study part-time while working full-time and moved to Sydney where he became involved with the trade union movement and the Australian Labor Party.
McDermott joined the Australian Defence Force (Army General Reserve) as a soldier, before being promoted as a Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO). He was at one time selected to attend the Army's Officer Cadet Training Program (Sydney University Regiment/Royal Military College Duntroon) and received a Probationary Commission (Reserve Forces - Infantry). McDermott's military service included serving as a Forward Observer Signalman with 41 Battery, 5/11 Field Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery; an M113A1 Armoured Vehicle Driver and crew commander with A Squadron, 12/16 Hunter River Lancers, Royal Australian Armoured Corps; and as an NCO and Officer Cadet with the Sydney University Regiment, Royal Australian Infantry Corps. He also spent periods of time posted to full-time duty with the Australian Regular Army. McDermott was awarded the Australian Defence Medal (ADM) for his military service.
McDermott states that he holds a strong belief in Catholic social teachings. He admires those who do not simply talk about their beliefs, but put those beliefs into pragmatic action and help their community. As such he considered joining the priesthood. In his inaugural speech, McDermott spoke about his admiration for the example of Jesuits and religious members who stood up and were counted to help the vulnerable and fight oppression - especially their political opposition to fascism in Europe in the 1930s and 40s.
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