List of WA Labor MP’s to step down before 2025 election has grown again

Member for Swan Hills Jessica Shaw has called time on her political career, declaring it would be more effective for her to tackle climate change and aid the energy transition from outside the halls of parliament.

In a statement release on Monday, Shaw said the decision to retire ahead of the 2025 election had been a difficult one and described her seven years in office as “an immense privilege”.

Member for Swan Hills Jessica Shaw announced her retirement on Monday.

But she said it was crucial not to “lose sight of your purpose”, referencing her inaugural speech and the passions that underpinned her foray into politics — from addressing inequality to acting on climate change and fostering economic growth through energy transition.

“In the lead up to 2025, as I reflect on my journey, I realise that I increasingly aspire to channel my experience in the corporate, parliamentary, community and governmental spheres towards advancing this crucial [energy] transition,” the statement read.

“The challenges we face are complex, and time is of the essence. We need people who are wholly dedicated to driving change, who are committed to fostering collaboration to address our most pressing societal challenges and seizing the opportunities.

“I want to fully dedicate my professional energies to tackling these issues and believe the most effective way to do this is in a role outside of the parliament.”

Premier Roger Cook thanked Shaw for her advocacy and her service, including as his parliamentary secretary — a role she said had afforded her invaluable insights and the ability to apply her previous job experience in the energy sector.

Shaw was first elected in 2017, more than a decade after moving to the electorate in the outer north-east of Perth.

In her second term of office, Shaw landed the role of parliamentary secretary.

The 45-year-old studied Politics and Law at the University of Woollongong and ANU, later returning to complete short courses in energy, policymaking and economics.

She spent several years as a senior industry policy advisor for the Chamber of Commerce WA and in business development for government-owned utility company Horizon Power before working as an engineering consultant.

Shaw is the latest WA Labor MP to confirm her retirement ahead of the 2025 election, joining Attorney General John Quigley, Ministers Sue Ellery, former minister Bill Johnston and backbenchers Lisa Baker, Matthew Hughes, Simon Millman, Margaret Quirk, Chris Tallentire and Peter Tinley.

She thanked the Swan Hills community, her family and her parliamentary colleagues for their support and branded the establishment of the Ellenbrook Youth Centre, a Clontarf Academy and Gifted and Talented Extension Program among her proudest achievements.

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