Minister reflects on honour of serving Western Australia

as posted on MediaNewswire

Sheila McHale says it has been a privilege to serve the people of Western Australia for almost 12 years as part of the Gallop and Carpenter Governments. Ms McHale today announced she had made the decision to leave State politics at the next election.


Media-Newswire.com) - Sheila McHale says it has been a privilege to serve the people of Western Australia for almost 12 years as part of the Gallop and Carpenter Governments.

Ms McHale today announced she had made the decision to leave State politics at the next election.

“It has been a honour to represent the people of WA as a Minister and as the member for Kenwick,” Ms McHale said.

The Minister was elected to Parliament as the member for the then seat of Thornlie in 1996 and in 2001 became a Minister in the first cabinet of Premier Geoff Gallop.

She was appointed Minister for Community Development, Women’s Interests, Seniors and Youth; Disability Services; and Culture and the Arts.

Since then, she has also held the portfolios of Indigenous Affairs, Tourism and Consumer Protection.

Ms McHale said some of her achievements had been delivering significant increases in Government spending to the areas of Tourism, Culture and the Arts, Community Development and Disability Services.

“It was very gratifying to recently announce details of WA’s new half-billion museum and also unveil the exciting $73million Ignite package of arts initiatives - the biggest ever by a WA Government,” she said.

“I have also been proud to help the State win exciting tourism events, encourage more direct flights to WA and work closely to deliver better outcomes for the disability sector.”

Premier Alan Carpenter, who was with Ms McHale for her announcement, paid tribute.

“Sheila has been an excellent Minister across a broad range of portfolios,” Mr Carpenter said.

“Her commitment to culture and the arts in WA will leave a positive and long-lasting legacy of unprecedented proportions.”

The Premier also said that Ms McHale had been a loyal friend and hard-working colleague who would be greatly missed.

“Sheila has been a tenacious Minister who has always handled her responsibilities with the upmost integrity and professionalism,” he said.

“I am pleased she will continue as a Minister until the next election.”

Ms McHale said her decision would allow her to pursue other challenges outside the political sphere.

Minister's office - 9213 6900

as posted on MediaNewswire