“Survival of the fittest” – that’s the candid advice NSW’s Finance Minister, Damien Tudehope, offers to small businesses as he leans back in the studio chair of Andy One-on-One. A man molded by the hard realities of life and politics, Tudehope tells it like it is, no sugar-coating.
His upbringing? “Fantastic family, fantastic education, fantastic memories.” His strategy for entrepreneurs? Brutally honest: “Survive the first year; then you’re almost home free.”
No topic is off-limits as Tudehope dives headfirst into the quagmire of government tenders. His goal? Fairness. His method? Transparency. “Everyone thinks the game is rigged when they lose. But we’re working to ensure a transparent process,” he asserts, unruffled by the complexity of the task.
As for the dark days of COVID-19? Tudehope stands firm on the frontline, proud of NSW’s response. “We put health first, but we also protected our economy and small businesses. We got money into people’s accounts. We helped them get to the other side.”
Tudehope’s passion flares when he discusses domestic violence, and the NSW government’s response. Doubling the leave entitlements for victims in the public sector is a victory he cherishes. His message to the private sector is a punchy call-to-action: “We’ve led the way; now it’s your turn to step up.”
But it’s when he talks about his family that Tudehope’s eyes really light up. As a father of nine, he revels in the joys and trials of large family life. His take on siblings is a heartwarming one-liner: “The greatest gift you can give your children is a brother or sister.”
The upcoming state election? Tudehope is bullish, betting on his party’s vision and track record. “We’re not perfect, we make mistakes, but at the end of the day, we deliver.”2
In a world of manicured political personas, Damien Tudehope is a breath of fresh air. His candid, no-nonsense style coupled with his heartfelt passion for public service is what sets him apart. Whether you agree with his views or not, one thing is clear: This is a man who speaks his truth, loud and clear.
By Andy Yin