Western Australia's Energy Minister Bill Johnston has announced he is stepping down from cabinet next week and will not seek re-election in the 2025 state election.
Key points:
- Bill Johnston has announced his resignation from Roger Cook's cabinet
- He will serve as the member for Cannington until the 2025 election
- Premier Cook described him as a "giant of the Labor party"
Mr Johnston, who is also the Mines and Petroleum Minister, said he would serve out the rest of his term as the member for Cannington, avoiding the need for a by-election.
Mr Johnston is also the Minister for Hydrogen Industry, and has previously been Minister for Commerce, Electoral Affairs and Asian Engagement.
He was stripped of the problem-plagued Corrective Services portfolio in a cabinet reshuffle in June after facing intense criticism over his management of the state's youth detention system.
Mr Johnston said he'd been serving the Labor Party in a full-time role for more than 27 years, and that's long enough.
"I've 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 61-year-old said.
"The Cannington community have always had my first loyalty as their representative in parliament and it's a tremendous privilege to represent this vibrant community."
Seven years a 'huge achievement'
Mr Johnston said while Premier Roger Cook supported his plan, he'd already flagged it with the previous premier.
"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.
"Seven years as a minister is a huge achievement by any measure."
He said it seemed appropriate to tell Mr McGowan in 2021 so the premier could plan in "any way that he chose".
Mr Johnston joined the ALP at the age of 20, more than 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've been proud to help solve problems and improve the state as part of the WA Labor cabinet."
A 'giant of the Labor Party'
Mr Johnston paid tribute to his wife Kate Doust and his three children.
"My kids have never appeared in any of my election material because Kate and I always took the view that we are the politicians and not our children.
"I know they've missed out on a lot because of my career and I apologise to them for that."
Premier Cook referred to Bill Johnston as a "giant of the Labor Party".
"He's the most technically proficient cabinet member that I have," Mr Cook said.
Mr Johnston said the government had enough talented MPs, including some that could replace him and "no-one will notice that I've left".
He spoke of his achievements in Cannington, such as upgrades to schools, improved roads, the Metronet level crossing removal program and investments in the local environment.
A replacement for Mr Johnston in cabinet would be decided at a special caucus meeting next Thursday.
Mr Cook said it provided an opportunity to "refresh" the responsibilities within cabinet.
Resignation leaves 'big shoes to fill'
Shadow Energy Minister Steve Thomas thanked Mr Johnston for his strong contribution to public life.
"Bill Johnston earned a reputation amongst the energy industry as a minister who had a great passion for the portfolio and an enormous knowledge of how it worked," Dr Thomas said.
"The departure of such a well-respected and knowledgeable minister obviously leaves big shoes to fill."
Dr Thomas said the energy transition in WA had "a long way to go" and the departure of a "well-respected and knowledgeable minister obviously leaves big shoes to fill".
"Bill Johnston understood the shortfalls of the current plan in a way that the policy advisors in [the Department of] Premier and Cabinet did not, and they will miss his practical and informed approach," he said.
Opposition Leader Shane Love also commended Mr Johnston for his political career, and his performance as energy, hydrogen and industrial relations minister.
"These portfolios are not only critical to our state's economy and ongoing development but impact the everyday lives of West Australians," Mr Love said.
"The premier must install a minister with the experience demanded of such important portfolios with worldwide demand rising for critical minerals and energy.
"There must be a minister who is skilled enough to balance a changing critical minerals and energy sector while keeping the lights on."