Praise for Donna Faragher

Premier Colin Barnett today acknowledged Donna Faragher's achievements during her time as Minister for Environment and Youth for the Liberal-National Government.

"Mrs Faragher is expecting her first child in just a few weeks and she told Cabinet today that she would step down from her Ministerial duties," Mr Barnett said.

"When we were elected in September 2008, Donna became the youngest ever female Minister in Western Australia's history.

"Since that time, she has been an incredibly hard-working Minister and has shown remarkable intellect, rigour and determination in dealing with a range of challenging policy issues.

"The high calibre of Mrs Faragher's time as a Minister can be seen especially in her efforts to reform the State's environmental approvals processes and her work finalising the environmental conditions for the Gorgon project.

"I am personally very proud of Mrs Faragher's work delivering conservation strategies for unique environmental areas of the State, most notably her work to establish the Kimberley Wilderness Parks and the Great Western Woodlands.

"Mrs Faragher's work in the Youth portfolio, where she secured new funding for the sail training ship Leeuwin II and for Cadets WA, has also been first class.

"Her time as a Minister has been characterised by her enthusiasm and commitment. "I wish her and her family all the best."

The Premier said that Planning and Culture and the Arts Minister John Day would add Environment and Youth to his portfolio until a minor cabinet reshuffle before Christmas.

NOTE: Donna Faragher's biography is attached below.

Video link

Premier's office - 9222 9475