Mandurah MP David Templeman to quit politics after two decades

David Templeman will retire from politics in March 2025. PIC: David Templeman/Facebook

Long-standing Mandurah MP David Templeman has called time on his political career after nearly 24 years.

Mr Templeman was elected Member for Mandurah in 2001 and has remained in the position ever since.

"I love Mandurah and have been privileged to have played a part in guiding it from a town to a magnificent city," he said.

"Representing the people of Mandurah has been one of the greatest honours of my life and I remain eternally grateful to them for granting me that privilege."

Mr Templeman has been a member of Labor Governments led by Dr Geoff Gallop, Alan Carpenter, Mark McGowan and Roger Cook and has served as Minister under three of those Premiers.

He is currently Leader of the House and Minister for Culture and the Arts, Sport and Recreation, International Education, and Heritage.

"Before entering Parliament I was a teacher and an entertainer. But my first love has always been the theatre, which is why I was particularly thrilled to have been the Minister for Culture and the Arts for the last eight years," Mr Templeman said.

"I would like to sincerely thank my amazing Electorate and Ministerial staff for their tremendous support over many years."

Mr Templeman said one of his greatest achievements was the Mandurah rail line.

"The day the train came down to Mandurah was just a red-letter day for me," he told West Coast Radio.

"We worked so hard to make sure that railway line got here, its changed the city for the better." 

Mr Templeman said stepping away from politics will allow him to spend more time with his family.

"My wife Donna and our four kids, Jack, Charlie, Mia and Samuel. Thank you for enduring this journey and for allowing me to do all the 
things this job demands," he said.

"I love my kids, love my wife and I really am looking forward to being in their lives much, much more.

"I'm going to be around a lot more."

He said while nothing is set in stone for what's next, it may have something to do with tourism or the arts.

"I've always enjoyed promoting Western Australia, so you never know, something tourism, something in the screen," he said.

Mr Templeman will remain in Cabinet until the State Election in March 2025.

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