Former WA premier Mark McGowan has stepped into four new roles – including a senior role working with ex-Federal treasurer Joe Hockey – just months after the “exhausted” state leader quit his top job.
Mr McGowan, 55, shocked outlets when he stepped down as premier of Western Australia in May, after six years in the job.
He said he was “extremely tired” after leading the state through the Covid-19 pandemic but claimed he felt he didn’t have “the energy or drive that’s required to continue”.
Since stepping down, Mr McGowan has taken on a new role as a senior adviser at consultancy firm Bondi Partners.
The firm is led by former federal treasurer and US ambassador Joe Hockey and aims to “help elevate the trade and investment partnership between Australia and the United States to the next level”.
Mr Hockey founded the consultancy firm in Washington in 2020.
On the Bondi Partners’ website, Mr McGowan’s biography states: “Mark was the 30th premier of Western Australia, leading his state through the COVID-19 pandemic and overseeing economic success recording a balance sheet that was the envy of the country, if not the world.”
“At Bondi Partners, Mark will provide investment and strategic advice, drawing on his unique insights spanning diverse industries – from defence and national security to critical minerals and the clean energy transition,” it continues.
In addition to his role at Bondi Partners, Mr McGowan has taken on a part-time role as a strategic adviser for mining company Mineral Resources.
The ABC reports a Mineral Resources spokesman confirmed Mr McGowan would “bring his diverse experience and knowledge” to the company.
In August it was confirmed he was taking up a role at mining giant BHP
In addition, Mr McGowan is being considered for another advisory role APM Human Services International, the ABC reports.
During a press conference on May 29, Mr McGowan admitted he had been considering retiring from politics for some time.
“I’ve loved the challenge of solving problems, making decisions, getting outcomes and helping people,” Mr McGowan explained.
“But the truth is I’m extremely tired.
“In fact, the role of political leadership doesn’t stop, it comes with huge responsibility. And it’s all consuming and combined with the Covid years, it’s taken it out of me.”
Deputy premier Robert Cook succeeded Mr McGowan’s role after he resigned.
Mr McGowan surged to power in the western state in 2017, ending the nine-year reign of Liberal premier Colin Barnett.
In 2021 he led Labor to another victory – reducing the Liberals to a measly two seats in WA’s lower house.
Mr McGowan’s leadership courted controversy during the Covid-19 pandemic, enforcing incredibly strict border policies and social distancing.
Former deputy premier Barnaby Joyce dismissively described WA as a “hermit kingdom” under McGowan’s rule.
