Official conference opening address

Eric Ripper has been Western Australia’s Deputy Premier and Treasurer since the State Labor Government was first elected in February 2001. Mr Ripper is also Minister for State Development.

The Treasurer is responsible for delivering Western Australia’s $15billion a year State Budget; preserving the State’s AAA credit rating; and overseeing the Government’s economic reform agenda.

As State Development Minister, Mr Ripper has responsibility for facilitaitng and coordinating the State’s major resources projects.

Mr Ripper is also responsible for native title, delivering recognition of traditional rights to Western Australia’s Indigenous people.

He was elected to the Western Australian State Parliament in 1988 and previous Ministerial portfolios have included:

1. Minister for Government Enterprises;

2. Minister for Energy;

3. Minister for Community Services; and

4. Minister for Disability Services.

Born in 1951, Mr Ripper was raised on a wheat and sheep farm at Nyabing in the Great Southern and educated at Nyabing Primary School, Churchlands Senior High School and the University of Western Australia, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts and a Diploma of Education.

Mr Ripper lives in his electorate of Belmont and has two adult children.