Ben Wyatt to stay beyond next election

Treasurer Ben Wyatt has reversed his decision to retire from politics, announced just one month ago. Read his statement in full:

"Western Australia is currently facing a health and economic crisis that we have never seen before," Mr Wyatt said.

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused me to reflect on my decision last month, to not stand as a candidate at the 2021 election.

The world has changed dramatically in just one month.

As the Premier has warned, the economic consequences of the COVID-19 crisis are going to be dire.

I know the recovery is going to be a significant task, one of which I am determined to be a part of.

I want to serve my State in its time of need.

It is for this reason that I will no longer be stepping down at the next election.

Can I thank my friend, Hannah Beazley, for her understanding and full support.

I also want to thank Premier Mark McGowan and all my colleagues.

I also want to acknowledge my family, who continue to make sacrifices, and thank them for their understanding in these unusual circumstances."

(Hannah Beazley was preselected by WA Labor as its candidate for Mr Wyatt's seat of Victoria Park for the WA election due in March next year.)