Simone McGurk serves as the State Labor Member for Fremantle in the Western Australian Parliament and holds multiple ministerial roles, including Minister for Child Protection, Women’s Interests, Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence, and Community Services. Since her election in 2013, she has been dedicated to improving the quality of life in Fremantle, focusing on essential areas such as public education, long-term transport planning, and the economic revitalization of the port city.
As a member of the McGowan Labor Government, McGurk emphasizes a comprehensive approach to addressing family and domestic violence. She advocates for early investment in children to foster stronger families and communities, addressing critical social issues such as homelessness and domestic violence within her portfolios.
McGurk’s personal background informs her political drive; she was raised by a single mother of five, while her father, an activist with multiple sclerosis, influenced her understanding of rights and advocacy. Before entering politics, she spent over 22 years in the union movement, where she became one of the first women elected as an Organizer for the Australian Manufacturing Workers Union and later served as the Assistant State Secretary. Her leadership role in Unions WA involved coordination of significant campaigns, including the Your Rights at Work Campaign against detrimental reform laws.
Throughout her career, McGurk has also worked with the Yamatji Land and Sea Council and contributed as a producer for the ABC, showcasing her diverse professional experience. She holds degrees in History from the University of Melbourne and in Media from Murdoch University.
In a recent podcast interview with Michael Barker, the Editor of Shipping News, McGurk discusses her motivations for entering politics, her experiences in the union movement, and the key challenges her ministerial positions address. Her passion for Fremantle and commitment to improving life for its residents remain a driving force in her political endeavors, marking her as a dedicated public servant focused on making impactful changes in her community.
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