How has Western Australia's Energy Transition Strategy evolved since its inception, and what key policy shifts have occurred?
How does Western Australia see its role in fostering "A Connected and Sustainable Energy World", the theme for SIEW 2024?
About Hon. Reece Whitby MLA, Minister for Energy; Environment; Climate Action, Western Australia
Hon. Reece Whitby MLA is the Western Australian Minister for Energy; Environment; Climate Action, and Member for Baldivis. Since December 2021, he has overseen government departments responsible for protecting Western Australia’s environment. He later regained the Racing and Gaming portfolio in December 2022.
In his role, he is coordinating the State's response to climate change while establishing a whole-of-government approach to reduce emissions. As Western Australia's first Minister to attend a United Nations Climate Change Conference, he addressed audiences at COP27 and engaged with Ministerial counterparts from across the globe.
A key focus of his work includes implementing Western Australia’s nation-leading Plan for Plastics and the McGowan Government's historic decision to end native logging from 2024. As Minister for Environment, he is also responsible for delivering Plan for Our Parks. This landmark initiative will expand the State's conservation estate of national and marine parks and reserves by five million hectares—an increase of 20 percent. Additionally, he oversees reforms in response to the Perth Casino Royal Commission and the review of Western Australia's liquor laws.
Minister Whitby was first appointed to Cabinet in the McGowan Labor Government in 2021, serving as the Minister for Emergency Services; Racing and Gaming; Small Business; and Volunteering. He became the first local member for the new electorate of Baldivis in March 2017.
Before entering politics, he built a long-standing career in journalism, spending two decades at Seven News. His journey started as a cadet reporter at a country newspaper, followed by roles at the ABC and Channel Nine. He often reported on battlers standing up for a fair go, which sparked his interest in public service.
Born and raised on the outskirts of Perth, Minister Whitby worked in the family business from a young age. He has a passion for creating better, fairer communities and understands the importance of quality schools, transport, hospitals, and facilities for all Western Australians. He and wife Natalie have four children—Faith, Sam, Luke, and Hope.