On giving careful reflection towards the next term of Parliament, I have decided not to seek re-election in March 2025.
Last week I informed the Premier that this would be my final term as a Member of Parliament.
The Premier asked me to continue as the Attorney-General, and Minister for Electoral Affairs so that I, with the support of my wonderful team, can progress important legislative reform in 2024.
I have been humbled by the support and confidence given to me by two outstanding Premiers, in Mark McGowan and Roger Cook.
I told the Premier I would be pleased to serve in whatever capacity he chose.
I entered State Parliament in 2001 aged 52, after 25-years as a lawyer.
After eight years as Shadow Attorney General and Labor’s spokesperson on legal affairs, I was then honoured to be sworn in as Attorney-General in 2017.
I have been proud to lead a team of talented people who have enabled myself and the Government to embark upon significant law reform for the people of Western Australia.
Not only would I like to thank the Premier for the privilege of being the Attorney-General but also my Cabinet colleagues and the Caucus.
All that I have achieved has been in the service of the Labor Party’s never-ending quest for a fairer, more just and inclusive society.
Through this journey I have made life-long friends.
I shall continue to work hard for the people and the Government of Western Australia and for my constituents.
My immediate priority is to bring on legislation for the mandatory imprisonment of those who remove court-imposed GPS tracking devices, to make our community safer.
This and Bills yet to come, are in addition to more than 60 pieces of legislation I have introduced and overseen the passage of as the Attorney-General, the Minister for Electoral Affairs, and previously as the Minister for Commerce.
When I came into Parliament, I wanted to make a difference for the most vulnerable people in our community and to deliver long awaited reform to improve our system of justice and improve community safety.
I believe that with the support of my colleagues, I have been able to achieve that, and I will be forever grateful for being afforded that opportunity.
