- McGowan was elected Premier in 2017
- His leadership has been praised by industry
- He leaves the state in a strong position
Premier Mark McGowan announced today that he will be stepping down as Premier and as the Member for Rockingham.
McGowan was elected Premier of Western Australia in March 2017, and has served as WA Labour Leader for more than 11 years.
He steps down after more than six years in the role, with this week being his final week.
Property industry responds
The Property Council‘s WA Executive Director, Sandra Brewer said McGowan’s resignation marks the end of a productive period of strong leadership in the state.
“He has been instrumental in delivering vital planning reforms and key infrastructure programs which will shape our states future,” said Brewer.
She praised his legacy as both Treasurer and Premier, noting that McGowan is leaving the state in a strong position, “to continue the positive momentum firmly set in place under his governance.”
The Premier was also praised for his deep understanding of stable and affordable housing, and for being prepared to dismantle the barriers to future housing supply.
“Across Australia, it is poor planning systems and mediocre policy choices that have led to unaffordable housing, and Mark McGowan has been prepared to dismantle those barriers in WA making hard decisions to support future housing supply.”
“The introduction of a state-led development assessment unit for major, complex projects and the expansion of development approval panels (DAPs) to enable de-politicised decision-making represents genuine and positive planning reforms.”
McGowan’s deft stewardship of the state’s finances was also welcomed, Brewer said his, “strong control of operational public expenditure is to be commended and should be maintained by an incoming WA Treasurer. The property industry would like to see a dedicated focus from a new WA Treasurer.”
Covid was an extremely tough period, with his leadership throughout the pandemic also praised from the perspective of avoiding work from home directions and enabling the Perth CBD to avoid the worst of the economic harm seen throughout other CBDs.
“As the baton is passed to a new leadership team, it is crucial the state government maintain an unwavering focus on housing supply in Western Australia. Adequate housing availability is the backbone of a thriving economy and prosperous communities.”
“We urge the new Premier to prioritise the pressing issue of housing availability. The Property Council stands ready to collaborate and support their efforts in boosting housing supply for the benefit of all Western Australians,” added Brewer.
