“Today I announce I am stepping down from Cabinet and that I will not seek re-election for the district of Cannington at the next election.
“I commenced as WA Labor Assistant State Secretary in January 1998, and by the time of the next election, I will have served WA Labor in a full-time role for more than 27 years.
“I think that is a long time for anyone, and certainly long enough for me.
“I have been very proud to work for the Cannington community over the last 15 years, and I look forward to serving them until the next election.
“The Cannington community have always had my first loyalty as their representative in Parliament, and it is a tremendous privilege to represent this vibrant community.
“In 2008 I promised to work for our community, and I believe that I have been doing that for 15 years.
“I am pleased that I have been able to help people in Cannington to solve problems in their lives and in our community.
“I am proud of the many achievements that I have been able to secure for our community, such as upgrades to schools, improved roads, saving the open space at Karri Way, and investments in our local environment.
“I am particularly proud of the current METRONET level crossing removal program.
“I have been advocating for these works almost since my first day as the Member for Cannington, and I am so pleased that a Labor Government is delivering this multi-million-dollar investment.
“Cannington is a vibrant, multicultural community, and I am very fortunate to be able to serve them. I am looking forward to having more time to spend with my many friends in the Cannington community.
“I will step down from Cabinet next week, after seven years serving the Western Australian community as a Minister.
“After the 2021 State Election victory, I spoke to then Premier Mark McGowan and let him know that it was my intention to step down from Cabinet before Christmas 2023.
“I let him know that I did not want to continue as a Minister for the full term. Seven years as a Minister is a huge achievement by any measure.
“When Roger Cook became Premier, I met with him and let him know that I wanted to leave by the end of this year. I am pleased that Premier Cook has supported me in my decision.
“There are two-and-a-half million Western Australians, to be one of 95 in Parliament is a great privilege, but to be one of just 17 in Cabinet is a rare honour.
“I joined the Labor Party at age 20, over 40 years ago. I joined Labor because I know only Labor can make a difference for working people.
“To be able to make a difference for the community as a Minister is very special.
“I have been proud to help solve problems and improve this State as part of the WA Labor Cabinet.
“Western Australians are very fortunate to have Roger Cook as Premier, because he is prepared to listen to the community, and set his priorities to the State’s needs.
“We are also very fortunate to have a talented Cabinet that shares Roger Cook’s focus on serving the community with effective policies and a strong desire to improve Western Australia.
“Everyone knows there is always more to done, but it makes it easier for me to leave Cabinet knowing the Cook Labor Government has a plan to make Western Australia better, and that the plan is working.
“I would like to finish my comments by acknowledging my wife, Kate Doust.
“Kate is in Canberra today, but I would not have been able to do this role without her unconditional love and support.
“I also want to acknowledge my three kids, Rebekah, Zoe and Liam.
“My kids have never appeared in any of my election material, because Kate and I always took the view that we are the politicians, not our children.
“I know they missed out on much because of my career, and I apologise to them for that.
“I am proud of each of them, and their achievements, as I am proud of my son-in-law and my two grandchildren.”
