Western Australian Minister Paul Papalia has announced his resignation from parliament, effective Friday, citing a serious illness affecting a close family member. The Labor MP, who has served nearly two decades in state politics, said the diagnosis forced him to recalibrate his priorities.
Family Comes First
“This isn’t what I’d planned. One of my immediate family members has been diagnosed with a very serious illness,” Papalia said. “This means I need to recalibrate everything. Politics and public life can be all-consuming and anyone who knows me understands that I don’t do things by halves so I can’t continue to give this role everything it demands while also giving my family what they need from me.”
Papalia, who holds portfolios including emergency services, corrective services, defence industries, veterans, racing and gaming, reflected on his family’s sacrifices over his career. “For most of my married life, my family have sacrificed their interests in favour of my service, first in the military and for much of the last two decades in politics. It’s time they got a better share of my time and energy,” he said.
Political Legacy
Elected to state parliament in 2007, Papalia became one of Labor’s “most trusted ministers,” according to the party. He served as a cabinet minister for nearly a decade, handling 10 portfolios. He highlighted his work championing the defence industry in Western Australia. “We’ve taken it from a neglected afterthought to a key driver of the economy, on its way to being the second biggest sector in the state,” he said.
Papalia recalled what he considers his greatest compliment from former Broome shire president Harold Tracey: “He said, ‘I like you, you get sh*t done’. If that’s how people remember me, I’ll be happy with that,” Papalia said.
Cabinet Reshuffle and By-Election
Papalia’s departure will trigger a cabinet reshuffle, with the Labor Party caucus meeting Friday. It will also necessitate a by-election in the seat of Secret Harbour, as Papalia was the longest-serving Labor MP in the legislative assembly. WA Premier Roger Cook praised Papalia’s service: “His legacy can be seen everywhere from stronger firearm laws and safer communities to a growing defence industry and a stronger voice for veterans and their families. After a lifetime of service to his country, his community and Western Australia, it is entirely fitting that he is now stepping back to support a loved one when they need him most.”
Before entering politics, Papalia served as a navy clearance diver in the counter terrorist squadron of the Special Air Service Regiment and was twice deployed to Iraq.
