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Western Australian Defence Industries Minister Paul Papalia has announced he will retire from State Parliament due to an immediate family member’s serious illness.
Prior to entering Parliament, Minister Papalia served in the military for 26 years. As a Navy clearance diver, he served in the counter-terrorist squadron of the Special Air Service Regiment and was deployed on operations to Iraq on two occasions.
Minister Papalia was elected to Parliament representing Peel in 2007 in a by-election. Serving as a cabinet minister for close to a decade, Minister Papalia was the state’s first defence issues minister – later defence industries minister.
“I leave knowing we’ve positioned WA at the vanguard of the nation’s defence future, supporting our men and women in uniform and creating opportunities for local industry, workers and generations to come,” said Papalia, Minister for Emergency Services, Corrective Services, Defence Industries, Veterans and Racing and Gaming.
“Throughout my career, I have never shied away from difficult challenges. The reforms we delivered were often complex, but they were always driven by a determination to leave Western Australia stronger.
“Public service demands sacrifices, not only from those who serve but from the families who support them. It’s now my turn to be there for the people who have always been there for me.
“I leave Parliament much in the same way I entered it, grateful for the opportunity to serve. I am proud of what’s been achieved and I am humbled by the trust Western Australians have placed in me.”
As tourism minister, he championed destination marketing campaigns that elevated the state onto a global stage. His role in facilitating the now world-famous Rottnest Island “quokka selfie” trend with Roger Federer, Matt Damon and Chris Hemsworth became one of Western Australia’s most successful tourism moments.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, he played a key role as tourism, small business, and racing and gaming minister in supporting the vulnerable tourism, hospitality and small business sectors through the greatest disruption encountered this lifetime.
Minister Papalia was appointed police minister in 2021 and undertook an extensive range of initiatives. He assumed responsibility for the Corrective Services portfolio in mid-2023.
As emergency services minister, he oversaw responses to some of Western Australia’s most significant emergencies, including major bushfires, storms, floods and tropical cyclones.
A special meeting of the State Parliamentary Labor Party caucus will be held on Friday, 10 July to elect a new member of the cabinet.
The Speaker of the Legislative Assembly will liaise with the Electoral Commissioner on possible dates for a by-election in Secret Harbour.
“On behalf of my government, I thank Paul for his extraordinary service and friendship,” Premier Roger Cook said.
“Paul has played a leading role in strengthening community safety, supporting our veterans and championing Western Australia’s defence industries.
“His legacy can be seen everywhere from stronger firearm laws and safer communities to a growing defence industry and a stronger voice for veterans and their families.
“After a lifetime of service to his country, his community and Western Australia, it is entirely fitting that he is now stepping back to support a loved one when they need him most.”
Robert Dougherty
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