Anna Watson

Anna Watson is an Australian politician and a member of the New South Wales Legislative Assembly representing the electoral district of Shellharbour.

Personal life Watson grew up in Loftus. She was employed in accounting and clerical jobs before becoming a union organiser with the United Services Union. In the 12 years she spent in that role, Watson was involved in union activities in a number of industries.

Preselection Watson was preselected in 2010 following the resignation of former member Lylea McMahon. McMahon had been "parachuted" into the seat prior to the 2007 State election by "Sussex Street" – Labor Party headquarters in Sydney. A number of factional opponents claimed she had been personally selected by former premier, Morris Iemma. The material claimed of Watson that a, "recent background of infidelity, deception, lies and immoral conduct precedes this person" – claims Watson denied "unreservedly". Watson later said she believed she knew who had published the brochures and that neither the Liberal Party or a factional Labor opponent had been responsible for the material.

Watson was elected at the 2011 state election, despite a general swing against the Labor Party.

Other

In 2020, Watson deleted her Twitter account after apologising to Joe Hildebrand for her comments to him after he criticised Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews' COVID-19 response.