News Western Australia

WA Premier Mark McGowan resigns from exhaustion

Eliza Sayon May 30, 2023

2 min read

Western Australian Premier Mark McGowan announced his resignation from the position at a press conference on Monday this week, stating that he is too exhausted to continue serving as the state’s premier.

“The truth is I’m tired, extremely tired. In fact, I’m exhausted,” he said, adding that the job had taken his energy and drive to continue.

While the announcement drew mixed reactions, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese praised McGowan’s leadership and commitment to the state during challenging times.

“Mark will be remembered for seeing the people of WA safely through one of the most challenging crises in our nation’s history,” he said.

“In unprecedented times, Mark always held to his convictions and always sought to do the right thing by his state.”

McGowan expressed gratitude for having served the people of WA for nearly three decades, considering it a remarkable opportunity.

“It is way beyond what I could ever have imagined my career would amount to. WA has provided me with the opportunity of a lifetime,” he said.

During the press conference, McGowan highlighted his accomplishments such as the economy, improvements in transportation and hospitals, the successful passing of euthanasia laws, initiatives for environmental protection and advancements in education.

However, he also expressed that the challenges faced during the pandemic, combined with his efforts in these areas, have drained him.

Despite his confidence in WA Labor’s potential victory in the next election in 2025, he admitted that he lacked the necessary energy and motivation to carry on as premier.

“When I was elected as premier I had ambitions for the state. I wanted WA to become the strongest, most successful state in the nation. To become more economically diversified and have the strongest public finances,” he said.

“To be socially reformist with landmark achievements in conservation and environmental protection as well. To provide citizens with quality public services, and long-term infrastructure for long-term futures. I stand here today and I know our state is in the position I set out to reach.”

During his announcement on Monday, McGowan emphasized that his decision to step down was not made hastily, but rather it had gradually developed over time. By resigning now, 20 months prior to the upcoming election, he aimed to provide his successor with an opportunity to establish themselves firmly in the position.

“I don’t want to finish work completely,” he said. “Once I am rested and recuperated, I will look for something else to do.”

WA Premier Mark McGowan said he had no regrets as he thanked his family, his colleagues and the WA voters.

Eliza Sayon

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Eliza is a content producer and editor at Public Spectrum. She is an experienced writer on topics related to the government and to the public, as well as stories that uplift and improve the community.