A Monash University expert is available to discuss the decision of Mark McGowan to step down as Premier of Western Australia.
Monday, 29 May 2023
Dr Blair Williams, lecturer in Politics & International Relations
Contact: +61 431 067 541 or [email protected]
The following can be attributed to Dr Williams:
“McGowan’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, which involved snap lockdowns, state border closures and other measures, resulted in a life of relative normality for residents of WA who expressed widespread support for the WA government.
“Despite the tough decisions made by McGowan, he has been one of the most popular premiers in living memory, with consistently high approval ratings during the pandemic.
“McGowan’s resignation is unsurprising, however, as we’ve recently seen other resignations from political leaders, such as Tasmania’s Peter Gutwein, Northern Territory’s Michael Gunner and even New Zealand’s Jacinda Ardern, who all cited exhaustion as a key reason.
“McGowan has held the seat of Rockingham since 1996, with a 2PP in 2021 of 87.% Labor and 12.3% Liberal. As the safest Labor seat in WA, Labor is likely to retain it if there is to be a by-election.”
For any other topics on which you may be seeking expert comment, please contact the Monash University Media team on +61 3 9903 4840 or [email protected]