Managing the finances, insights from the Treasurer

Immediately following the Annual General Meeting, a luncheon for members will feature a keynote address by the Hon. Ben Wyatt MLA.

Appointed in March 2017, Ben is Australia's first Indigenous Australian Treasurer and also holds the positions of Minister for Finance, Energy and Aboriginal Affairs. The Treasurer will provide an insight into the challenges of restoring the State’s finances in a tight fiscal and politically charged environment.

Meet our speakers and panellists

The Hon. Ben Wyatt MLA Image
The Hon. Ben Wyatt MLA

Treasurer; Minister for Finance; Energy; Aboriginal Affairs

Ben Wyatt is the Western Australian Treasurer, Minister for Finance, Energy and Aboriginal Affairs.

Ben commenced his study in Arts and Law at the University of Western Australia in 1992.

He undertook training as an officer in the Australian Army Reserves at the Royal Military College at Duntroon, graduating with his Commission in 1996.

After receiving a Rotary Ambassadorial scholarship, Ben completed his Masters at the London School of Economics and Political Science, graduating with Distinction in 2001. Upon his return to Perth, Ben continued his legal career in private practice and with the WA Department of Public Prosecutions.

Ben was elected to the Legislative Assembly to represent the electorate of Victoria Park after the resignation of former premier Geoff Gallop in 2006.

Between 2008 and 2016, Ben held a number of senior positions in the Shadow Cabinet, including as Shadow Treasurer and Shadow Minister for Federal State Relations, Aboriginal Affairs, Native Title and Government Accountability. He also served as Deputy Chair of the Public Accounts Committee.

Ben took on his current ministerial responsibilities on the election of the McGowan Government in March 2017.

Acknowledgement of Country

The Committee For Perth acknowledges the traditional custodians throughout Western Australia and their continuing connection to the land, waters and community. We pay our respects to all members of the Aboriginal communities and their cultures; and to Elders both past and present.