Brown gets Lotterywest, Heathway nod

One-time high-profile WA Labor electoral candidate Karen Brown has been appointed by the state government to chair Lotterywest and Healthway, replacing the retiring Peter Klinken.

Ms Brown has an extensive background in media and business and will step into the chair role from her current position as a Lotterywest board member.

She has also sat on the boards of the Royal Flying Doctor Service, South Metropolitan Health Service, Edge Employment Solutions, The Pinnacle Foundation and at communications firm Purple.

Speaking today, Premier Roger Cook said Ms Brown was a worthy appointment to the position of chair at both Lotterywest and Healthway.

“I congratulate Karen Brown on her appointment as chair for Lotterywest and Healthway,” he said.

“Her experience and passion for Western Australia will continue on from the incredible efforts of her predecessor, Professor Klinken.

“Professor Klinken has been an exceptional leader for Lotterywest and Healthway and finishes his term leaving both organisations in a secure position.”

Develop Global chief external affairs officer Guy Singleton will join the Lotterywest board on a three-year term, bringing with him extensive experience across a range of Aboriginal corporations with expertise in Indigenous affairs.

“It is fantastic to welcome Guy Singleton, whose insights in maintaining meaningful and ethical partnerships between land use proponents and traditional owners will be a significant asset to the board,” Mr Cook said.

Billie Giles-Corti will replace former Labor leader Jim McGinty on the Healthway board, after he stepped down following six years in the role.

Professor Klinken has been chair of both organisations since 2018.

Ms Brown resume is bolstered by historic connections to the state’s governing party.

Ahead of the 2008 state election she was selected by then Premier Alan Carpenter to run for WA Labor in the seat of Mt Lawley, as part of what was ill-fatedly dubbed the party’s “dream team”.

Fellow candidates of note included now-energy Minister Reece Whitby – voted into parliament on his third attempt in 2017 – his ministerial predecessor Bill Johnston, Treasurer Rita Saffioti and Mr Cook.

She will begin in her new role on September 1.