MacTiernan could return to WA politics

Former federal ALP Member for Perth Alannah MacTiernan has been backed to return to state politics after veteran Labor MP Ken Travers announced he was quitting parliament.

Ms MacTiernan confirmed to AAP today she had been approached about next year's state election and was considering it.

"I'm not ruling it out," she said.

Mr Travers, who stepped down as the opposition's transport spokesman last year citing health concerns, said he expected to formally tender his resignation at the end of next week.

City of Vincent councillor Laine McDonald is likely to fill Mr Travers' spot until the state election because she is the next candidate on the North Metropolitan ticket.

Mr Travers refused to comment on who should succeed him, saying it was up to the party, but added there were a lot of candidates who could fill the position.

He said he would continue to support Labor in the lead-up to the March poll.

"I've absolutely thoroughly enjoyed the honour and the privilege that I've had over the last 19-and-and-half years to be a member of parliament, to represent the great people of the northern suburbs and to represent the great Labor Party in making changes in this community for the better," Mr Travers said.

"I want to move on, let the next generation take over, pass that baton and that's why I think it's the right time."

WA Labor leader Mark McGowan, who has endorsed Ms MacTiernan's return to state politics, said Mr Travers had made a major contribution across several portfolios and had been a passionate advocate for transport and planning.

"As shadow transport minister, Ken played a key role in the creation of Labor's Metronet plan," he said.

"Ken gained respect from across the political divide and from a wide range of community and stakeholder groups because of his sincerity and commitment to pursuing positive policy outcomes."

Mr Travers was elected in 1996 and was a parliamentary secretary in the Gallop and Carpenter governments.

In opposition, Mr Travers was appointed spokesman for portfolios including transport, agriculture and food, and infrastructure.