From the prime minister to mining leaders, the resignation of Mark McGowan has drawn broad praise for the outgoing premier’s leadership during his six years at the helm of WA.
Mr McGowan called time on his 26-year career in politics, announcing he would be stepping down as premier and leaving parliament by the end of this week.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the outgoing premier was leaving the office on his own terms and as his own man.
He said he had spoken with Mr McGowan earlier today to congratulate him on his retirement.
“Mark leaves office as he led, on his own terms and as his own man. He has been a great premier of his proud state, an extraordinary leader for WA Labor and a trusted friend,” Mr Albanese said in a Tweet.
“Above all, Mark will be remembered for seeing the people of Western Australia safely through one of the most challenging crises in our nation’s history.
“In unprecedented times, Mark always held to his convictions and always sought to do the right thing by his state.”
Mining magnate Gina Rinehart said Mr McGowan had been a strong advocate for WA.
“Premier McGowan well understood that investment and development is the key to the success of WA, and to maintaining living standards,” Mrs Rinehart said.
“During the pandemic, he worked successfully to keep the resources sector operating, which powered both the WA and Australian economies and kept hundreds of thousands of people directly and indirectly employed during a very difficult time.”
Mineral Resources managing director Chris Ellison said the outgoing premier had led a government focused on solving problems and working with business to get things done.
“WA is without a doubt a stronger and more successful state because of Mark’s hard work and pragmatic leadership,” he said.
“I’m confident Mark will continue to make a big contribution outside of the political arena and I wish him all the best on the next stage of his career.”
BHP WA iron ore asset president Brandon Craig described Mr McGowan as a fearless advocate for WA and the resources industry.
“I particularly thank him for his support during the pandemic to help keep our communities and operations safe,” Mr Craig said.
“I wish him and his family well during the next phase of his life and career.”
Rio Tinto iron ore chief executive Simon Trott said leaving the state in a strong position would be Mr McGowan’s great legacy.
“His government provided a stable fiscal and regulatory environment and strengthened WA’s trade relationships, underpinning the mining industry’s confidence to continue to invest in the state,” he said.
“We wish the premier all the very best for the future.”
Liberal Party leader Libby Mettam said Mr McGowan had enjoyed extraordinary popularity as premier, with opposition leader Shane Love expressing a similar sentiment.
“It is an immense privilege to represent the people of WA in parliament and Mr McGowan has been one of its longest-serving members,” Mr Love said.
“His parliamentary ministerial roles will have undoubtedly taken a toll upon on him and his and family and I wish the premier and the McGowan family all the best into the future.”
Property Council WA executive director Sandra Brewer said Mr McGowan had been instrumental in delivering planning reforms and infrastructure programs for the state.
“As both treasurer and premier, Mark McGowan leaves WA in a strong position to continue the positive momentum firmly set in place under his governance,” she said.
“Mark McGowan has been a premier that deeply understands the importance of stable and affordable housing for WA families.”
Association of Mining and Exploration Companies chief executive Warren Pearce said the outgoing premier had achieved a great deal for WA and praised his leadership during the pandemic.
“Our members will especially remember his extraordinary leadership during COVID-19, and his personal commitment to keeping the WA mining and mineral exploration industry open and operating safely,” he said.
“It was this early decision, taken against considerable external pressure, which supported Australia’s economy through the COVID-19 crisis and saw WA emerge from the pandemic with one of the strongest economies in the world.”
WA’s business community also paid tribute to the departing premier.
