John McGrath (Western Australian politician)

John Edwin McGrath (born 17 June 1947 in Fremantle, Western Australia) is a Western Australian politician and has been the Liberal member for the electorate of South Perth in the Western Australian Legislative Assembly since the 2005 election.[1]

Before entering Parliament McGrath was a journalist[2][3] and held several positions including sports editor, chief football writer and bureau chief in Melbourne covering sport for The West Australian. McGrath was elected with a swing of 14.2 points following the retirement of Phillip Pendal and holds the seat by a margin of 5.8 points,[4] he was appointed the opposition spokesperson on Seniors, Racing and Gaming and Liquor licensing in 2005 and in 2008 was appointed as Shadow Minister of Road Safety and Housing and Works.

In 2008, McGrath was cleared by the Corruption and Crime Commission in relation to dealings with lobbyist Brian Burke. Burke approached McGrath in order to move a parliamentary motion that Burke had prepared, but the CCC cleared the charges on the grounds that McGrath had no knowledge of Burke's commercial interest in the matter.[5]

McGrath was appointed Government Whip following the 2008 election.