- Minister Bill Johnston to step down from Cabinet and not contest the 2025 State Election
Premier Roger Cook has paid tribute to Minister Bill Johnston, who today announced he will step down from Cabinet and will not contest the 2025 State Election
Mr Johnston was elected to Parliament representing Cannington in 2008 and has been a staunch advocate for his community over the past 15 years.
He has served as Mines and Petroleum Minister since 2017, overseeing record resources industry exports which have kept Western Australia as the economic powerhouse of the nation.
As Energy Minister since 2018, Mr Johnston has steered WA's transition to renewable energy delivering the State's biggest ever investments into renewable energy generation and storage, and putting in train the transformation of the State's electricity grids.
Mr Johnston held the Industrial Relations portfolio for most of the past six years, delivering important reforms for workers across the State, including driving a nation-leading overhaul of WA's work health and safety regime.
Mr Johnston has also served as Corrective Services, Electoral Affairs, Commerce, Asian Engagement and Hydrogen Industry Minister.
Prior to entering Parliament, Mr Johnston played an invaluable role in the labour movement in WA serving as State Secretary of WA Labor for seven years, and as a senior official for the Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees Association.
Mr Johnston has been a passionate advocate for deepening Western Australia's ties with Indonesia, after spending his final year of high school as an exchange student in Bandung in West Java.
Mr Johnston will see out the remainder of this term of Parliament as the Member for Cannington, before retiring at the 2025 State Election.
The Premier will call a special meeting of the Labor Caucus on Thursday, 7 December, to elect a new Cabinet Minister.
As stated by Premier Roger Cook:
"Bill has been a giant of our party and our movement for more than two decades.
"He leaves a significant legacy of reform in our State.
"He has successfully guided WA's energy system on its biggest transformation in decades, putting us on the path to net zero while keeping our economy strong and supporting local workers.
"He has always understood the essential role of a strong resources sector in the livelihoods of everyday Western Australians, and as Mines & Petroleum Minister, has help to take the industry to new heights.
"Bill has never lost his union roots, and has overseen long-awaited and critical reforms to bolster protections for workers right across the State.
"Bill has also never shied away from a challenge, never hesitating to take on some of Government's most challenging portfolios as part of his commitment to the WA community.
"His intellect and grasp of policy detail will be missed from the Labor team.
"I thank Bill for his great contribution to WA and to his community."
