Colin James Barnett (born 15 July 1950) is an Australian politician of the Liberal Party who served as the 29th Premier of Western Australia. He led the state government from 23 September 2008 until 17 March 2017, presiding over a period shaped by the resources boom and significant public infrastructure investment.
Barnett represented a metropolitan electoral district in the Western Australian Parliament and served as leader of the state Liberal Party. During his time in office his government pursued policies aimed at managing the economic effects of the mining and resources sector, delivering major capital projects, and directing funding to regional development and state services.
Key facts
- Born: 15 July 1950
- Party: Liberal Party of Australia
- Role: 29th Premier of Western Australia (2008–2017)
- Parliamentary representation: member of the Western Australian Legislative Assembly
Throughout his premiership Barnett became associated with efforts to expand transport and resource-related infrastructure, strengthen economic management during cyclical commodity markets, and promote regional service delivery. His administration was marked by large capital programs and active engagement with industry, while also facing debate over budget priorities and the balance between metropolitan and regional spending.
In the 2017 state election Barnett's government was defeated and he subsequently stepped down from party leadership. The election result prompted reflection across state politics about economic strategy, infrastructure planning and long-term fiscal settings in a state heavily influenced by the resources sector.
Since leaving the premiership Barnett has remained a public figure in Western Australian affairs. Political analysts and commentators regard his decade-long prominence as a defining feature of early 21st-century state politics, noting both the scale of projects delivered under his government and the controversies and debate they generated.