Mark McGowan — Former Premier
At a glance
| Tracker status | Previous — Premier 17 Mar 2017 – 8 Jun 2023 |
| Export role | WA executive for bulk of China lobster ban; western rock lobster ~90%+ pre-COVID to China; domestic Woolworths pivot Dec 2020 |
| Resigned | May 2023 — Cook succeeded before Oct 2024 resumption |
| Fisheries minister | Don Punch from Mar 2021 |
Quick facts
- Party / faction: ALP / Right (WA)
- Electorate: Rockingham — MLA 1996–2023
- Legacy: Longest-serving recent WA premier; COVID border era; China trade tension period
- 2019 lobster plan: State quota ownership proposal reversed after industry pushback (pre-tracker window but shapes WA–industry relations)
Export & agriculture role (tracker)
| Issue | Role | Period | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| China lobster ban | Premier — industry support, domestic sales | 2020–2023 | WA lobster |
| Live export politics | Handed to Cook before resumption | to Jun 2023 | Crustacean |
Allies & rivals
- Key allies: Punch; Cook (deputy/successor)
- Known rivals: Federal Coalition China rhetoric; later federal Labor took restoration credit
Chronology (export-related)
| Date | Event | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2023-06-08 | Cook sworn premier | McGowan exit |
| 2023-05-08 | Resignation announced | Verified |
| 2020-12 | Woolworths domestic lobster sales | Verified — ABC |
| 2021-05 – 2023-06 | Premier during ban | Verified |