Since becoming Western Australia’s 29th Premier on September 6, 2008, Colin Barnett has built a reputation as a strong advocate for Western Australia, for decisive leadership and promoting the economic and social development of the State.
As State Development Minister, Mr Barnett is committed to attracting investment and assisting the development of major projects based around Western Australia’s natural advantages in mining, petroleum and agriculture. Large-scale infrastructure projects in the city of Perth have also been progressed under his leadership, including sinking the railway line that divides the CBD, a city waterfront development on the banks of the Swan River (Elizabeth Quay), and a new world-class sports stadium at Burswood.
Since 2013, he has also been Minister for Science, in recognition of the central role that scientific innovation will take in the future of the State’s development, particularly in mining, agriculture, astronomy and the environment.
Reflecting Western Australia’s growing importance as a leading regional economy in the Asia Pacific region and Indian Ocean Rim, Mr Barnett has been invited to speak at significant global forums including the James A. Baker lll Institute for Public Policy at Rice University in Houston, Texas, the Menzies Centre for Australian Studies at King’s College, London and Mining Indaba, the world’s largest mining investment conference, in Cape Town, South Africa.
Mr Barnett is also determined to ensure that economic growth supports all West Australians, including the most vulnerable, through an innovative social agenda. The Liberal National Government leads Australia in the delivery of social services. In 2011, a $1billion social services package included $604million for the not-for-profit sector.
The Liberal National Government has also implemented genuine reform of public schools and allocated $7billion to rebuild the State’s public hospitals, including the 783-bed Fiona Stanley Hospital and a new world-class children’s hospital.
In 2013, Mr Barnett led the Liberal Party to a second term in government with an historic increase in seats. The Liberals govern in an alliance with the National Party.
Mr Barnett has been the Liberal Member for Cottesloe since 1990 and was Deputy Leader of the Liberal Party and a senior minister in the Court Government (1993-2001) holding the portfolios of Resources Development, Energy, Education and Tourism. From 2001 to 2005, he was Leader of the State Opposition. Mr Barnett has been Deputy Leader or Leader of the Liberal Party in every State election since 1993.
He holds an Honours and Masters Degree in Economics from the University of Western Australia.
- Company:Premier of Western Australia & Cabinet Ministers
- https://www.premier.wa.gov.au/Ministers/Colin-Barnett/Pages/Default.aspx
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