A new post for Walt
Following his retirement from politics, Walt Secord has changed his position as a NSW Upper House State Labor to become the Director of Public Affairs at The Australia/Israel and Jewish Affairs Council.
Walt Secord
The appointment was announced this week by AIJAC National Chairman Mark Leibler and AIJAC executive director Dr Colin Rubenstein.
“Walt Secord has an unrivalled track record. He is one of the nation’s most experienced political figures and media strategists. He has been at the forefront of Australian politics for more than three decades,” Mr Leibler and Dr Rubenstein said.
Walt Secord has been active in Labor Party politics for more than 31 years, including more than 11 years as a senior Labor shadow minister. He has served in a dozen roles, including four years as Deputy Opposition Leader in the Legislative Council and almost two years as Shadow Treasurer, serving under four Opposition leaders. He was also deputy chair of the NSW Parliamentary Friends of Israel for more than 11 years.
Before entering parliament, Walt Secord served at the most senior roles at the local, NSW and Federal levels including chief of staff to the NSW Premier (2009-2011); director of communications to the Federal Opposition leader, who became Prime Minister (2007); and chief of staff to the national Minister for Aged Care (2007-2009).
Born in Hamilton, Ontario, Mr Secord is the son of an Ojibway-Mohawk First Nation father and an Anglo-Canadian mother. Mr Secord has a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) degree from York University in Toronto and a Masters of Strategic Public Relations degree from the University of Sydney.
Walt Secord said: “I am pleased and humbled to work with AIJAC. It is one of the most respected think tanks and advocacy bodies in Australia. Politicians from all sides are aware of its important work and its programs like Rambam which provides first-hand insights into Israel.
I am greatly looking forward to being part of this team.”
A very good choice by AIJAC. Mazel tov.