Bill Hassell to be appointed WA Agent General in London

8/8/94

State Cabinet has today endorsed a recommendation to the Governor in Executive Council that Mr Bill Hassell be appointed as Western Australia's Agent General to London.

Premier Richard Court said Mr Hassell was a respected Western Australian who was an excellent choice for the position.

He resigned from Parliament in 1990 after serving 13 years, which included three years as a Minister of the Crown and two years as Leader of the Opposition.

During his time as Leader of the Opposition he lead a successful overseas trade mission and later developed the Shadow Ministry of Trade and its associated policy.

"Mr Hassell is one of the State's most respected former politicians and he has had extensive experience in the commercial sector - both prior to his entering Parliament and since his retirement as an MP," the Premier said.

"His brief will be to represent the interests of WA in the United Kingdom and the European community, and in particular promote further investment from that region in this State."

Mr Court said WA was increasingly being seen as a 'gateway' into the economies of Asia by European-based companies.

"It is therefore important that this State maintain a senior presence within the region," he said.

"Mr Hassell has extensive contacts within the business community and is well-qualified to promote the interests of our state overseas and strengthen our economic links with Europe."

Mr Hassell was scheduled to take up the position for a two-year term.