Mark McGowan announces high-end speaking services in post-politics move

The former West Australian premier’s career has taken a highly lucrative turn as he enlists in a service with an eye-watering payout.

Mark McGowan is the latest former politician to offer himself up as a high-end public speaker, with eye-watering fees attached.

The former WA premier has signed exclusively with Claxton Speakers, which represents hundreds of other high-profile Australians including Courtney Act, Ash Barty and John Howard

Mr McGowan is included in the agency’s top fee bracket, meaning he will charge more than $15,000 per appearance, with other expenses charged on top.

“Speaker fees vary widely and do not include expenses,” the Claxton website said.

Mark McGowan rocked WA politics when he announced his resignation as premier in May. Picture: NCA NewsWire /Philip Gostelow

“Expenses often include return airfares, hotel accommodation, ground transportation, meals, and any out-of-pocket expenses.

“Fees for international events are often on application and subject to increased cost.”

It’s the latest in a string of post-political roles for Mr McGowan, who is about to join the BHP board as well as entering a strategic adviser role with Mineral Resources.

The former politician is also planning to advise consultancy firm Bondi Partners, which is run by former federal treasurer Joe Hockey, and will direct APM, a Perth-based disability employment provider.

Mr McGowan shocked Australia when he announced his resignation as premier in May, citing exhaustion from the Covid-19 pandemic.

Mr McGowan will be able to charge at least $15,000 per speaking arrangement.Picture: NCA NewsWire /Philip Gostelow

Thanks to his time in state politics, and that he entered parliament before the 2001 state election, Mr McGowan is eligible for a now defunct MP pension scheme worth $275,000 per year for the rest of his life.

Claxton lists Mr McGowan as “instrumental in a range of economic and social reforms that restored WA to be the leading state in Australia”.

“His Government reforms include modernising to WA’s planning, strata, on-demand transport, and mining legislation,” its website reads.

“His Government built important transport, port, and health infrastructure as part of a record infrastructure program.”

Originally published as Mark McGowan announces high-end speaking services in post-politics move