During his time in rugby league, Graham Annesley was always a hard worker and things haven't changed since he became Minister of Sport. The former Test and State of Origin referee is a genuine lover of all sports and is thriving in his role with the NSW government. Not only does he have to decide how and where his department's finances are allocated, but he also spends countless hours meeting with officials from all sports. Graham is a hands on Minister and enjoys moving around the state to examine first hand the needs of male and female sporting and recreation organisations, both at senior and junior level. He attends many public meetings and presentation nights and uses the functions to mingle and assess what the community wants and needs from their various interests.
Elected to Parliament as the Member for Miranda on 26 March 2011, Graham was appointed as Minister of Sport and Recreation by Premier Barry O'Farrell on 3 April. Not only does he work long hours from Monday to Friday, but he usually spends most of both weekend days on the job.
"I wouldn't have it any other way, " said Graham. " I was elated to be given the Ministerial role and I was very aware that this would involve plenty of hard work. "
"I am lucky to have been given the chance, firstly by the people of my electorate and also by Premier O'Farrell and my coalition colleagues."
"Sport and Recreation is a big part of Australian life and in some way, big or small, it means a lot to most, if not all, community members"
"I want to ensure that our government does its best in enhancing this culture."
As a top grade rugby league referee from 1982 to 1997, Graham controlled 244 first grade matches which is 10th on the all-time list. He made his debut at Kogarah Oval on 28 March 1982 when St. George defeated Canberra 13-4. His final game was the Super League minor semi final at Bruce Stadium on 8 September 1997 when Canberra beat the Panthers 32-12. Included in these 244 games are six end of season final series fixtures.
In 1994, he refereed two Australia-Great Britain Test matches in England. The first of these was at London's famous Wembley Stadium on 22 October when the Poms beat Australia 8-4 in front of 57,034 fans. In this match, Graham sent off British captain, Shaun Edwards and this is probably the only time a captain has been dismissed in a Test.Two weeks later, on 5 November at another top class English venue, Old Trafford in Manchester, Graham was in charge as the Australians dominated Great Britain to win 38-8 before a crowd of 43,930. Bill Harrigan controlled the third Test of the series, at Elland Road Leeds on 20 November, where Australia wrapped up the series with their 23-4 victory.
Earlier that same year, on 8 June 1994, Graham refereed a State of Origin clash at the Melbourne Cricket Ground where 87,161 fans saw NSW win 14-0.
Graham was just 13 years of age when he took up refereeing in the Parramatta junior league competition. He was secretary of the Parramatta District Rugby League Referees Association in 1979 and 1980 and then President from 1985 to 1988. His hard work was recognised when he was made a Life Member in 1984.
Before entering Parliament, Graham worked with the NRL from 1995 to 2010, finishing as second in charge behind David Gallop as Chief Operating Officer. He played a major role in introducing the video revue system which is a big part of current NRL matches.
The father of two vivacious daughters, Graham and his partner Erica live in his Miranda electorate, where he has made his home for more than 20 years. On a two party preferred basis, Graham won 71 percent of the vote in the March election. He is leaving no stone unturned to prove this high level of trust is justified.