WA boom a bridge for those with a penchant for policy

STRATEGY, psychology, risk assessment - the card game of bridge sounds like the perfect accompaniment to the political career of David Wawn.

Newly recruited as chief of staff to state treasurer and commerce minister Troy Buswell, Mr Wawn admits he has a penchant for cards, and bridge in particular, though after two weeks of rolling his sleeves up to help get the new Western Australian government started he hasn't had much time for leisure activities.

"I'll look for a game of bridge over here once things settle down," said the new appointee, who also enjoys rugby and is involved in mountain biking.

Speaking candidly to WA Business News, Mr Wawn said the boom state was attractive to those with a policy bent, especially as so many of the big national issues - like emissions trading - collide head on with WA's industry focus.

Canberra-raised, Mr Wawn said when Brendon Grylls and Colin Barnett struck their original deal, Liberal friends in Perth threw some bait in his direction, which he soon took.

His wife, also a political staffer, and he decided to make a break and go west, especially as there were few opportunities elsewhere for him to directly use his experience.

"I was interested in a change, I'd been in the federal system for 12 years," Mr Wawn said.

"It's a new challenge, with a new government.

"(But) if a Liberal state government was in Sydney or Melbourne, I probably would not have come."

After two years with then federal social security minister Jocelyn Newman, Mr Wawn worked for former federal finance minister Nick Minchin for nine years from 1998, taking on the chief of staff role in 2003, and is highly regarded by many local Liberals.

He confirms he's a committed Liberal, having joined the party at the age of 16, and describes himself as a supporter of individual liberties, pro-business and generally about getting government off people's backs.

A role with the treasurer certainly suits his desire to be involved in policy.

"Being in control of the money gives you influence over policy across government," Mr Wawn said, reflecting on his time with Mr Minchin.

He said he had not been employed as a minder for Mr Buswell and that former state opposition leader's indiscretions of the past had not arisen in the interview process.