Jim McGinty

James Andrew McGinty, AM (born 22 September 1949) is a former Western Australian politician. He was a Labor member of the Western Australian Legislative Assembly from 1990 to 2009, representing the district of Fremantle. He was Labor Party leader and Leader of the Opposition from 1994 to 1996. He served as a minister, most notably as Attorney-General, in the governments of Carmen Lawrence, Geoff Gallop and Alan Carpenter.


Jim McGinty
Leader of the Opposition
In office
12 October 1994  8 October 1996
Preceded byIan Taylor
Succeeded byGeoff Gallop
Attorney-General of Western Australia
In office
16 February 2001  23 September 2008
Preceded byPeter Foss
Succeeded byChristian Porter
Member of Parliament
for Fremantle
In office
26 May 1990  3 April 2009
Preceded byDavid Parker
Succeeded byAdele Carles
Personal details
Born
James Andrew McGinty

(1949-09-22) 22 September 1949
Kalgoorlie, Western Australia
NationalityAustralian
Political partyLabor Party
EducationBA, LLB
ProfessionTrade Union Secretary

Early life

McGinty was born in the Western Australian town of Kalgoorlie. He studied Arts and Law at the University of Western Australia. Before entering politics, he worked as an industrial officer, then became Secretary of the Miscellaneous Workers' Union.

Career

First elected to parliament at the 1990 Fremantle state by-election, McGinty became a minister in the government of Carmen Lawrence in 1991. He was made the Minister for Housing, Construction, Services and Heritage. With the exception of the Services, which he relinquished soon after taking the Environment portfolio in late 1992, McGinty held all these portfolios until Labor's defeat at the 1993 state election.

McGinty became leader of his party in 1994, succeeding Ian Taylor, only to be replaced by Geoff Gallop prior to the 1996 state election. The leadership change was due to a mutual decision between McGinty and Gallop in response to the fact that McGinty could not make a dent on the popularity of Liberal Premier Richard Court in opinion polls. Gallop had been McGinty's deputy and the two swap leadership roles with McGinty now becoming Gallop's deputy. McGinty however was replaced as deputy after the 1996 election by Eric Ripper.

After Labor returned to power at the 2001 state election, McGinty was again on the treasury bench. He became the Attorney-General, Minister for Justice, Legal Affairs, Electoral Affairs, Peel and South West. A reshuffle in 2003 saw McGinty remain Attorney-General and Minister for Electoral Affairs, as well becoming Minister for Health. He retained these portfolios until Labor's defeat at the 2008 state election.

McGinty had stood down as ALP leader without having a chance of presenting his case to the people of why he should be Premier at the 1996 election. As minister in the Gallop Government the prospect of him finally becoming Premier became a real possibility when Premier Gallop stood down in 2006. McGinty however did not nominate to replace Premier Gallop as factional deals had ensured Alan Carpenter becoming the next ALP leader and thus Premier.

During his time as Attorney General, Mr McGinty was recognised as a reformer. Achieving 'one vote one value' for the Legislative Assembly and Gay and Lesbian equality in the laws of Western Australia are widely seen as the hallmarks of his tenure. In addition, he established many new legal institutions, including the Corruption and Crime Commission, the State Administrative Tribunal and the Court of Appeal. As Health Minister, he was responsible for banning smoking in pubs and clubs, and for the health blueprint which has seen the creation of Fiona Stanley Hospital and the new Perth Children's Hospital as well as significant new facilities at all major metropolitan hospitals.

In recognition of his contribution to law reform and the Parliament of Western Australia, Mr McGinty was made a Member of the Order of Australia in 2013.

Retirement

On 3 April 2009, McGinty announced his retirement from politics.[1] This triggered a by-election for his district, in which Labor suffered a 16-point swing that delivered the seat to The Greens candidate, Adele Carles.

References

Political offices
Preceded by
Ian Taylor
Leader of the Opposition
1994–1996
Succeeded by
Geoff Gallop
Preceded by
Peter Foss
Attorney-General of Western Australia
2001–2008
Succeeded by
Christian Porter
Party political offices
Preceded by
Ian Taylor
Leader of the Labor Party in Western Australia
1994–1996
Succeeded by
Geoff Gallop
Parliament of Western Australia
Preceded by
David Parker
Member for Fremantle
1990–2009
Succeeded by
Adele Carles
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