VALE TED PICKERING AM
Media Release posted Thursday 04 December
The NSW Liberal Party is saddened to announce passing of the long-serving Leader of the Liberal Party in the NSW Legislative Council and Minister in the Greiner and Fahey Governments, the Hon Edward (Ted) Pickering AM.
Born in Newcastle in November 1939, Ted studied for a Bachelor of Science majoring in chemical engineering at the University of New South Wales. Before entering public life, he was a distinguished chemical engineer with BHP steel in the Illawarra, becoming a Fellow of the Institution of Engineers Australia and the Australian Institute of Engineers. In the 1960’s Ted was a volunteer for National Service and served for nine years as a commissioned Infantry Officer in the Citizens Militia Forces (which became the Australian Army Reserve).
Elected to the New South Wales Legislative Council in 1976, Ted served until 1995, holding some of the most senior roles in opposition, then in government during a period of significant reform. Ted was a leading member of the successful campaign that saw the Greiner Government elected in a landslide in 1988.
Ted served as the Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council from 1984 to 1988. When the Greiner Coalition Government won office in 1988, he was appointed Leader of the Government in the Legislative Council, Vice-President of the Executive Council and Minister for Police and Emergency Services. He would also go on to serve as the Minister for Justice, Energy and Local Government.
Chairman of the NSW Liberal Party Management Committee, Nick Greiner, said “Ted was widely respected for his integrity, diligence and deep commitment to public service.”
“As Police Minister, he worked to strengthen public confidence in policing during a challenging period for the State and he oversaw many important organisational reforms to the NSW Police. He established the NSW Crime Commission and was an important contributor to the Wood Royal Commission.”
In recognition of Ted’s service to the NSW Parliament and the community, he was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in 2018.
During much of his public life Ted was married to Elaine, who passed away in 2015. The Party extends our heartfelt condolences to his wife Carol, his two sons, three daughters, their extended families, friends, former colleagues, and all who knew him.
