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David Templeman
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David Alan Templeman (born 21 November 1965) is an former Australian politician who was a Labor Party member of the Legislative Assembly of Western Australia from 2001 to 2025, representing the seat of Mandurah.

Key Information

Early life

[edit]

Templeman was born in Northam, Western Australia, to Beryl Ann Templeman, née Bates, and John Thomas Templeman, boilermaker. He attended Northam Senior High School before going on to the Western Australian College of Advanced Education (now Edith Cowan University) to study teaching. Before entering politics, Templeman worked as a schoolteacher, teaching at primary schools in Three Springs, Warnbro, and Mandurah. He also served on the Mandurah City Council between 1994 and 2001, including as deputy mayor from 1997.[1]

Political career

[edit]

Templeman first ran for parliament at the 1993 state election, but lost to the sitting Liberal member, Roger Nicholls. He re-contested the seat against Nicholls at the 2001 state election, and was successful.[1] Templeman was re-elected at the 2005 election with an increased majority, and was subsequently made a whip in the government of Geoff Gallop. When Alan Carpenter replaced Gallop as premier in January 2006, he was made Minister for Community Development, Minister for Seniors and Volunteering, and Minister for Youth. In a December 2006 reshuffle, he lost the youth portfolio to Ljiljanna Ravlich, but was instead made Minister for Child Protection (a new title) and Minister for Peel. Another reshuffle occurred in March 2007, after which Templeman's titles became Minister for the Environment, Minister for Climate Change, and Minister for Peel. He remained in the ministry until the Labor government's defeat at the 2008 state election.[2] When the Western Australian Labor Party won government in the 2017 state election, Templeman took on three ministries—Culture and the Arts, Local Government, and Heritage—and was appointed Leader of the House.[3] In this role, he delivered a parody of The Sound of Silence by Simon and Garfunkel.[4]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
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David Templeman

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David Alan Templeman (born 21 1965) is a former Australian politician who represented the electoral district of in the from 2001 to 2025 as a member of the Australian Labor Party. Prior to entering parliament, he worked as a school teacher, entertainer, and local councillor, including as deputy mayor of the City of . Templeman held several ministerial positions after Labor's 2017 election victory, including Minister for Culture and the Arts, where he directed substantial state funding toward cultural infrastructure and industries, as well as Leader of the House from 2017 to 2025. He announced his retirement in September 2024, opting not to contest the March 2025 state election after nearly 24 years of service, culminating in a valedictory speech in 2024.

Early life and education

Upbringing and family background

Templeman was born on 21 November 1965 in , where he spent the first 17 years of his life. He attended Avonvale Primary School and Northam Senior High School, both public institutions in the town. Templeman's parents were John Templeman and Ann Templeman; his father worked as a . He has one brother, John Templeman, and one sister, Karen Jones.

Academic and vocational training

Templeman completed his at Northam Senior High School, where he was recognized as in year 4 mathematics. He pursued higher education at the Western Australian College of Advanced Education (WACAE), earning a Diploma of Teaching (DipTchg) and a (BEd), and received the Ron Bell Drama Award during his studies there. These qualifications provided vocational training oriented toward teaching, with a specialization in . Templeman applied this training immediately upon qualification, commencing employment as a teacher and drama specialist at Three Springs in 1986. His early vocational experience also extended to and , though specific formal training in these areas is not documented in official records.

Pre-political career

Employment in public administration

Templeman commenced his career in the Western Australian public sector as a teacher and specialist at Three Springs from 1986 to 1988. He continued in public school teaching at Warnbro from 1989 to 1991, focusing on roles. From 1992 until entering politics in 2001, Templeman served as a teacher at North Senior High School, contributing to in the region. These positions were within the state government's Department of , representing direct in through the delivery of services.

Community involvement in Mandurah

Prior to his election to the , David Templeman engaged in through in , serving as a on the Mandurah City Council from 1994 to 2001. He was first elected in 1994 and re-elected in 1997, representing community interests in municipal decision-making during a period of Mandurah's growth as a regional center. From 1997 to 2001, Templeman held the position of , assisting in council leadership and oversight of local services, , and . He resigned from the council in early 2001 to focus on his candidacy for the state seat of , having served a total of seven years in the role. This involvement provided direct engagement with residents on issues such as urban development and community facilities, predating his state-level political career.

Entry into state politics

2001 election victory

David Templeman, the Australian Labor Party candidate, won the seat of in the at the state election held on 10 February 2001. The election delivered a decisive victory for Labor statewide, securing 32 of 57 seats and forming government under Premier , while ousting the incumbent Liberal-National coalition government of , which had governed since 1993. Mandurah was a newly established electorate ahead of the poll, encompassing northern parts of the area in the Peel region south of Perth, reflecting in coastal and regional suburbs. Templeman defeated Liberal candidate Roger Nicholls, the previous member for the former Mandurah district, who had held the seat since its recreation in 1989. Templeman polled 5,237 primary votes, or 40.34% of the formal vote, compared to Nicholls's 4,394 votes (35.63%). On a two-party preferred basis against the Liberals, Templeman secured 6,856 votes (54.91%), establishing a margin of 1,227 votes or 9.82 percentage points. Other candidates included Beryl Francis of the Greens (Western Australia) with 626 votes (4.76%), alongside minor party and independent entrants such as the Progressive Labour Party, , One Nation, and several independents, who collectively garnered the remaining primary votes. Formal votes totaled 12,584, with 413 informal ballots and an enrollment-based turnout of 92.37%. Templeman's win aligned with Labor's gains in outer metropolitan and regional seats, driven by voter dissatisfaction with the Court government's policies on , , and economic management, as evidenced by a uniform statewide swing of approximately 12% to Labor. As a first-term parliamentarian, he entered the 36th representing Mandurah's interests in , , and community services amid the area's rapid .

Subsequent re-elections and electoral performance

Templeman was re-elected to the seat at the 26 February 2005 state election, securing 57.6% of the primary vote and a 12.3% two-party-preferred margin against the Liberal Party. He retained the electorate at the early 6 2008 election, where Labor won statewide, with Templeman receiving 9,188 first-preference votes to the Liberal candidate's 5,922. At the 9 March 2013 election, Templeman held despite Labor's statewide defeat, polling 52.5% of the primary vote and a 7.7% two-party-preferred margin over the Liberals. The seat remained with Labor following the 11 March 2017 poll, where the party formed a ; Templeman's two-party-preferred margin stood at 7.7%. Templeman's strongest performance came at the 13 March 2021 election, amid Labor's , with a two-party-preferred margin of 25.2% after a 7.3% swing to the party. Overall, transitioned from a competitive Labor seat in the early 2000s to a safer one by the , reflecting regional shifts toward Labor amid in the Peel area.

Parliamentary roles

Opposition positions and shadow ministries

Templeman served as Opposition Whip for the Western Australian Labor Party from 26 September 2008 until 11 March 2017, a role he held throughout the period of opposition following Labor's defeat in the 2008 state election. In this capacity, he coordinated opposition business in the and managed party discipline during debates and procedural matters. On 9 April 2013, Templeman was elevated to the Labor frontbench as Shadow Minister for , Community Services, and Peel, marking his transition from backbench duties during the 2008–2013 parliamentary term. These portfolios focused on oversight of in the Peel area, social welfare programs, and municipal , areas aligned with his electorate base. He retained the Opposition Whip role alongside these shadow responsibilities until the end of the opposition term. A reshuffle on 26 June 2015 expanded Templeman's portfolios to include Shadow Minister for , Heritage, Wheatbelt, and Mid-West, while retaining and Peel. This adjustment reflected Labor's emphasis on regional and community-focused scrutiny ahead of the 2017 election, with responsibilities covering cultural preservation, volunteer sector support, and economic issues in rural and coastal regions. Templeman held these positions until Labor's victory on 11 March 2017, after which he transitioned to government roles.

Speakership and procedural leadership

David Templeman served as Acting Speaker of the from 5 May 2004 to 23 January 2005. In this role, he temporarily presided over proceedings, enforcing standing orders, ruling on points of order, and facilitating debates during the Speaker's absences, primarily amid the opposition's activities following the 2001 election. Templeman was appointed Leader of the House in the Legislative Assembly on 17 March 2017, shortly after the Labor government's election victory, and retained the position through subsequent terms until 29 January 2025. As Leader, he directed the government's procedural strategy, including scheduling bills for introduction and debate, allocating time for ministerial statements and opposition responses, and coordinating with the Speaker on session management to advance the executive's priorities. This involved negotiating timetables under standing orders, such as order of the day motions, to balance government business with parliamentary scrutiny, particularly during periods of Labor's supermajority from 2021 onward, which expedited over 100 bills annually in some sessions. During his leadership, Templeman emphasized efficient passage of legislation on issues like reforms and emergency services enhancements, while addressing procedural bottlenecks such as extended stages. He regularly delivered end-of-year procedural summaries, highlighting legislative throughput—such as the 2021-2022 session's record bill completions—and occasionally incorporating musical interludes, including a 2019 rendition of "Always Look on the Bright Side of Life" to recap proceedings, which evolved into an informal tradition for lightening the close of sittings. These addresses underscored his approach to procedural , though critics noted the majority's dominance sometimes curtailed extended opposition input on time-sensitive measures. Templeman's oversight ensured consistent adherence to assembly rules, contributing to the government's legislative success rate exceeding 95% in key portfolios during his tenure.

Ministerial portfolios

As Minister for from March 2017, David Templeman prioritized enhancing accountability and governance in Western Australia's local government sector, introducing to address and modernize outdated frameworks. In March 2018, he introduced the Local Government Amendment (Suspension and Dismissal) Bill 2018, which empowered the Minister to suspend or dismiss individual council members found guilty of serious via an process, without necessitating the dissolution of the entire ; this measure, developed in consultation with the Western Australian Local Government Association (WALGA), also allowed for the recovery of allowances paid to suspended members. The Act, assented to in November 2018, marked the third major reform package under the McGowan Government, aiming to promote tailored interventions in dysfunctional councils while preserving democratic structures. Templeman advanced broader structural reforms by announcing plans for a comprehensive new in September 2018, criticizing the existing 1995 legislation as inadequate for contemporary needs. To inform this, he appointed an expert panel in November 2019, chaired by David Michael MLA and including academics and sector leaders, which conducted extensive consultations and drew on international best practices. The panel's final report, released on August 5, 2020, delivered 65 recommendations emphasizing integrity measures, inclusive democratic processes, efficient service delivery, and enhanced accountability, including stronger , integrated planning, and regional cooperation; Templeman stated the government would review these to draft a "green bill" for . Further governance enhancements followed through the Local Government Legislation Amendment Act 2019, with key provisions activated in February 2021 via supporting regulations. These mandated minimum standards for chief executive officer recruitment, selection, performance reviews, and terminations; required local governments to adopt employee codes of conduct; and imposed a uniform code for elected members, committee participants, and candidates, incorporating universal training requirements and a revised framework for declaring gifts. Templeman described these as steps toward modernizing the sector for greater efficiency and ethical standards, though some regulatory adjustments, such as those easing council operations in August 2020, were later disallowed by the Legislative Council in November 2020 amid debates over executive overreach.

Culture, Arts, Heritage, and Volunteering

As Minister for Culture and the Arts, David Templeman launched the Creative WA: A 10 Year Vision to Grow and Sustain Our Creative Ecosystem in 2023, outlining strategies to enhance cultural infrastructure, foster partnerships, and expand opportunities for young and emerging artists while integrating Aboriginal co-design in policy decisions on culture, language, and art. This framework emphasizes the role of arts in social harmony and economic growth, aligning with broader state priorities for creativity in Western Australia's multicultural communities. Templeman has allocated significant funding to regional arts initiatives, including $714,704 through the Activities in Regional Communities program for 2024-25, supporting 14 projects across 33 towns and cities, such as the Margaret River Readers and Writers Festival ($26,085) and the Boyup Brook Muster ($58,000). Additional grants totaling $1.32 million were awarded in September 2024 to 22 arts organizations for innovative projects, while $1.9 million in 2025 targeted cultural experiences to bolster artists and creative professionals statewide. He also endorsed the Western Australian Cultural Infrastructure Framework 2030+, which provides tools for planning creative facilities like theaters and galleries to meet long-term community needs. In heritage preservation, Templeman announced a record 86 applications for the 2024-25 Heritage Grants Program, awarding $1.22 million to 39 recipients from a $3.47 million pool for conservation, documentation, and community projects across 39 sites (17 regional, 22 metropolitan), including $100,000 for structural repairs at Matso's Store and Captain Gregory's House in Broome and $50,000 for corrosion protection at Cheynes Beach Whaling Station in Albany. These efforts prioritize physical works (18 projects), archival documentation (14), and public engagement initiatives like heritage walks ($7,576 to the Art Deco and Modernist Society of WA). Regarding volunteering, Templeman served as Minister for Seniors and Volunteering from February 2006, advocating for recognition of Western Australia's then-estimated 429,000 volunteers on and promoting community tributes to their contributions. In a 2023 parliamentary address, he emphasized volunteering's economic, social, and cultural value exceeding $39 billion annually, linking it to support for vibrant arts sectors and inclusive .

Sport, Recreation, and Youth initiatives

As Minister for Sport and Recreation from 2017 to 2025, David Templeman administered programs aimed at increasing participation in physical activities across , including enhancements to the KidSport initiative, which provides financial vouchers to eligible families to offset registration fees for children aged 5 to 18 in approved sports and recreation activities. In August 2023, the program doubled its annual voucher value from $150 to $300 per child, enabling greater access amid rising living costs, with over 100,000 vouchers distributed statewide by mid-2024. Further expansions in August 2024 extended eligibility to carers and foster families, prioritizing support for vulnerable youth to maintain involvement in team sports and active recreation. Templeman also championed infrastructure investments to bolster engagement, such as the allocation of funds for regional youth centers and facilities. In May 2023, his portfolio approved grants for a new youth center in a regional area to foster participation in sports and social activities, emphasizing the role of dedicated spaces in preventing youth disengagement. By December 2024, $1.6 million in targeted funding supported the development of youth-oriented recreational venues, including upgrades to pools and outdoor areas, with the stated goal of enhancing physical health and ties for young people. A February 2024 pilot program under his oversight provided subsidized pool entries for children during summer, aiming to build skills and promote among in high-risk areas. In his earlier tenure as Minister for from 2006 to 2007, Templeman focused on integrating youth policies with , though specific outcomes from that period are less documented in recent government records; subsequent efforts under and built on these foundations by funding events and participation pathways. For instance, January 2024 investments through the and Recreation Events Program allocated resources to host statewide youth sporting events, drawing over 5,000 participants and supporting grassroots clubs in remote communities like Newman. These measures prioritized empirical , such as affordability and facility access, over broader social agendas, with program evaluations citing increased enrollment rates in targeted demographics.

Policy positions and legislative impact

Advocacy for regional development in Peel

David Templeman, as for in the Peel region, chaired the regional steering committee for the Peel Sustainable Development Plan, launched in August 2002 to guide long-term growth while balancing environmental and economic needs. The initiative addressed rapid population expansion straining local , with Templeman emphasizing coordinated to support sustainable expansion in areas like waterways and urban development. In July 2005, Templeman launched the Regional Development Scheme in Peel, allocating funds for priorities including tourism infrastructure, value-added agriculture, and environmental protection to foster economic diversification. As a subsequent minister, he opened additional grant rounds, such as in 2008-09, to bolster regional projects amid ongoing growth pressures. These efforts aligned with broader state investments, like the $80 million Regional Investment Fund, aimed at sustainable regional advancement. Templeman consistently advocated for to accommodate Peel's expansion, highlighting in the role of state investments in creating jobs and supporting Mandurah's contributions to regional prosperity. By 2023, he endorsed budget allocations exceeding $11 billion statewide for regional , positioning Peel for enhanced service delivery and economic resilience. His parliamentary record underscores a focus on practical measures to mitigate development bottlenecks, including campus upgrades announced in January 2025 to serve the region's growing population.

Contributions to emergency management and child protection

Templeman, as Minister for Community Development in 2006, responded to a departmental case review by directing immediate protective actions for affected children and establishing a permanent review mechanism to address ongoing safety risks raised by cases. In August 2006, he commissioned a five-member specialist team to systematically identify at-risk children overlooked in the child welfare system, aiming to overhaul departmental practices. By mid-2006, under his oversight, legislation governing child care and protection was revised and reinforced, with increased departmental resourcing to enhance implementation. In November 2006, he publicly pressed the Liberal opposition to back child protection measures, emphasizing cross-party consensus amid rising concerns. The portfolio was redesignated Minister for Child Protection in December 2006, signaling elevated governmental focus on the issue during his tenure. As Deputy Chair of the Community Development and Justice Standing Committee, Templeman contributed to its 2002 inquiry into Western Australia's services framework, which highlighted the absence of dedicated legislation—unlike other states—and the vulnerabilities of a policy-only approach, including legal uncertainties and litigation risks. The report, presented under committee leadership, quantified volunteer contributions at over 46 million hours annually (valued at more than $500 million) and recommended urgent enactment of an Emergency Management Act to formalize powers, protections for responders, and coordinated planning. In September 2022, as Leader of the House, he endorsed legislative reforms transitioning from the to a "state of disaster" model, crediting prior powers with enabling effective response while adapting to reduced restrictions.

International education and tourism promotion

As Minister for International Education from 2021, David Templeman spearheaded efforts to rebuild Western Australia's appeal to international students following pandemic-related border closures. In May 2022, he announced a $41.2 million package to re-engage offshore education agents and cultivate a pipeline of onshore students, including funding for marketing, agent incentives, and capacity-building in regional institutions. This initiative encompassed the Agent Incentive Scheme, offering agents A$500 payments for each international student enrolled in eligible schools, English language programs, or vocational training providers. Templeman emphasized the economic benefits, noting that returning students would bolster the workforce, particularly in regional areas through targeted TAFE enrollments. Templeman's international missions amplified these efforts, such as his July 2022 visit to and , where he promoted Western Australian , skills training, and trade linkages to attract students and foster long-term partnerships. In , he advocated for WA as a study destination, leading to the May 2023 recognition of equivalence between Western Australian and Indian school curricula by the School Curriculum and Standards Authority, easing transitions for Indian students. Domestically, he supported infrastructure like the March 2022 opening of StudyPerth's Student Hub in Perth, a wellbeing-focused facility for international students, and a dedicated online portal launched to streamline visa, accommodation, and settlement services. Additional programs included A$1 million in familiarization trips for agents to experience WA's lifestyle and offerings, alongside campaigns to highlight regional . In his concurrent role as Minister for Tourism until a 2023 reshuffle, Templeman integrated promotional strategies that indirectly supported international education by showcasing WA's attractions to visiting agents and students. He oversaw the $16.8 million WA Tourism and Travel Agent Support Fund, which provided grants to operators for recovery and marketing, emphasizing experiential tourism tied to cultural and educational hubs. Missions like the September 2023 trade delegation, which he led, spotlighted creative industries and digital economy sectors alongside education, positioning WA as a multifaceted destination for students who double as cultural tourists. These efforts recognized international students' contributions to tourism revenue, with Templeman publicly crediting programs like Indonesian student awards for enhancing cross-cultural exchanges and local economic activity.

Controversies and criticisms

Interventions in local government dysfunction

As Minister for Local Government from 2017 to 2021, David Templeman exercised powers under the Local Government Act 1995 to address severe dysfunction in several Western Australian councils, including suspensions and commissioner appointments aimed at restoring governance stability. These interventions were facilitated by legislative amendments he introduced, such as the Local Government Amendment (Suspension and Dismissal) Act 2018, which empowered the minister to suspend individual councillors or entire councils for misconduct, improper conduct, or operational disruption, while requiring remedial actions like training. Suspended members lost entitlements, including allowances, to deter self-interested behavior and prioritize community service. A prominent case was the suspension of the council on March 2, 2018, following allegations of governance failures, factionalism, and misuse of funds under mayor Lisa Scaffidi. Templeman appointed an inquiry panel led by Graham Stirling, whose August 2020 final report documented "widespread cultural and systemic failings," self-interest, lack of transparency, and poor leadership, recommending against dismissing the council but urging structural reforms. The intervention highlighted broader risks in directly elected mayoral systems, with Templeman describing the report as a "wakeup call" for local governments to improve . In June 2019, Templeman appointed Gary Budlender as commissioner to administer the Shire of Perenjori after councillors failed to elect a president despite multiple opportunities, citing entrenched dysfunction that impaired decision-making and service delivery. This followed earlier attempts at mediation, underscoring the minister's preference for intervention only as a last resort when internal resolutions proved inadequate. Templeman's attempt to suspend the Town of council in May 2020, amid an into workplace safety failures and allegations, was overturned by the Western Australian in October 2020, which upheld the council's on procedural grounds. The subsequent November 2020 report criticized the council for fostering an unsafe environment but did not recommend dismissal, illustrating limits to ministerial powers when challenged judicially. Overall, these actions formed part of Templeman's reform agenda, which emphasized tailored assistance over blanket dismissals to minimize disruption while addressing root causes like factionalism and inadequate oversight.

Sports governance and athlete welfare issues

In June 2022, Western Australian Sport and Recreation Minister David Templeman issued a parliamentary apology to former gymnasts who experienced physical, verbal, and emotional abuse in the Western Australian Institute of Sport (WAIS) women's program between 1988 and 2016, following a Sport Integrity Australia report that documented a "" involving weight shaming, training while injured, and other harmful practices. The government concurrently established a child safeguarding unit within the Department of , Sport and Cultural Industries to enhance protections. Templeman commissioned an Athlete Safeguarding Governance and Review of WAIS in June 2022, with findings released in October 2024 revealing systemic issues including 31% of surveyed athletes reporting , 26% experiencing body or weight shaming, 26% feeling uncomfortable around staff, and 14% facing , alongside a that prioritized winning over welfare. The review's scope was limited to the preceding five years to ensure timely completion, a decision Templeman defended despite allegations of mistreatment in other WAIS sports programs predating that period. Former athletes, such as player Lachlan Vos, criticized WAIS for poor complaint handling and a destructive environment that allegedly ended scholarships and careers, with Vos's father stating, "WAIS destroys athletes — it doesn’t build them." In response to concerns over inaction on gymnast abuse claims upheld by the 2022 Sport Integrity report, all but one WAIS board member resigned in September 2023, prompting Templeman to appoint a new board chaired by Neale Fong to improve and oversight, while increasing ministerial and departmental control. Former gymnasts, including Sarah Ritchie and Jen Smith, expressed frustration with 18-month delays in the process for 57 affected individuals, arguing it caused retraumatization and failed to deliver promised systemic reforms. In May 2024, the government offered $15,000 ex-gratia payments and counseling to eligible former gymnasts as a "good faith acknowledgement" of harm, which Templeman described as aiding healing without constituting full compensation, while emphasizing prevention through the new board and safety programs. More recent athlete welfare concerns emerged in December 2024 with allegations against former WAIS coach Alex Parnov, accused of predatory behavior toward young female athletes, including Olympic gold medalist , over a decade, prompting a WA Police investigation after a 2019 private probe's findings were not escalated. Templeman, who received briefings and initiated a police review in November 2023, supported WAIS's decision to respect Kennedy's request to delay action during her Paris Olympics preparation, while endorsing a dedicated complaints pathway with police and WAIS's apology for failing to protect athletes. In October 2023, Templeman backed calls from former WAIS athletes for a national register of abusive coaches to address recurring governance gaps.

Parliamentary language and interpersonal conflicts

In June 2015, during a debate in the , David Templeman engaged in a heated exchange with Liberal MP Kim Hames, accusing Hames of neglecting his electorate's interests while prioritizing government agendas. Hames interjected, labeling Templeman a "show pony" for media attention, prompting a warning from the Speaker for . Templeman rejected the characterization, escalating the interpersonal tension amid broader criticisms of government priorities in the Peel region. Templeman's parliamentary style has occasionally involved informal or provocative language, particularly in end-of-session addresses where he performs adapted songs recapping legislative events. In November 2024, his final such performance included lyrics referencing "screw you guys, I'm going home," drawing from in a light-hearted but irreverent close to proceedings. These traditions, while popular among some observers, have highlighted his departure from strict decorum. A notable instance of unparliamentary language occurred on September 19, 2024, when Templeman, during a on the City of Albany's policies, referred to Liberal candidate Thomas Brough—who had advocated removing certain books—as a "dickhead" under . He immediately withdrew the remark, acknowledging its impropriety, but the comment sparked criticism from Liberal leader Libby Mettam for breaching standards of discourse. The exchange underscored tensions over disputes, with Brough later citing it amid reports of following his stance. No formal sanctions were imposed, but it exemplified Templeman's occasionally blunt rhetorical approach in defending government positions on arts and local .

Retirement and post-political activities

2024 retirement announcement

On 17 September 2024, David Templeman, the Australian Labor Party member for Mandurah and serving minister for Culture and the Arts, Sport and Recreation, and Leader of the House, announced he would not seek re-election in the March 2025 Western Australian state election, thereby ending his tenure after first being elected in 2001. Templeman stated he had been "privileged to have played a part in guiding [Mandurah] from a town to a magnificent city," citing milestones such as the Mandurah rail line extension as a personal "red-letter day." Premier Roger Cook issued a public tribute, commending Templeman's "one-of-a-kind energy, enthusiasm, humour and theatrical style" as integral to parliamentary proceedings and describing him as "the most passionate Culture and the Arts Minister our State has ever seen." Cook further acknowledged Templeman's long-standing advocacy for and the Peel region across multiple cabinet roles, including (2017–2021), Heritage, and . Templeman planned to retain his positions until the , after which he anticipated spending additional time with and potentially pursuing ventures in or sectors. The announcement aligned with a broader pattern of veteran Labor MPs, including Attorney-General John Quigley, stepping aside ahead of the 2025 poll.

Valedictory address and legacy reflections

In his valedictory address to the on November 27, 2024, David Templeman reflected on his 24 years as the member for since his election in 2001, expressing overall satisfaction with his parliamentary career while maintaining a characteristic humorous tone. He recounted his pre-political life as a schoolteacher and with the band Halls Head Hippies, humorously lamenting unrecorded song titles such as "I’ve Got Pubes Babe" and wishing he had toured the east coast with the group rather than entering politics. Templeman stated he harbored no major regrets about his service, attributing his only personal shortcoming to physical decline, which he jokingly blamed on the parliamentary dining room, and displayed an old election poster to illustrate his fitter appearance in 2001. He highlighted procedural achievements, including his role as Leader of the House since 2017, the development of the "Red Fox" strategy for parliamentary management, and a 2015 closure of Parliament that he believed contributed to the eventual downfall of the Barnett Liberal government. Templeman extended thanks to his family—wife Donna, children, and parents—for their support; colleagues such as former Premier Mark McGowan, Deputy Premier Rita Saffioti, and Attorney-General John Quigley; his staff; and Mandurah constituents, emphasizing his commitment to bringing levity and community focus to politics. The address concluded with Templeman performing a rendition of Harry Chapin's "," underscoring a shift toward priorities in retirement, as he declared, "I am coming home." In reflecting on his legacy, Templeman portrayed himself as an entertainer who infused with fun and advocated for Mandurah's interests, aligning with his self-described growth from representative to senior minister under three Labor premiers. External assessments of Templeman's legacy emphasized his substantive contributions across portfolios. Premier Roger Cook praised his over two decades of service, noting Templeman's roles as the state's first International Education Minister and Leader of the House, alongside advancements in culture (e.g., $150 million Perth Concert Hall redevelopment, WA Museum Boola Bardip), sport ($51 million Football Centre), heritage (2018 Heritage Act), and local government reforms for transparency. Cook highlighted Templeman's advocacy for the Peel region, including the Mandurah train line and Peel Health Campus upgrades, crediting his energy and passion for lasting impacts on Western Australia's cultural and sporting infrastructure. Colleagues and observers similarly lauded his theatrical style, enthusiasm, and humor as hallmarks that energized parliamentary proceedings over 24 years.

References

  1. https://www.parliament.wa.gov.au/parliament/library/MPHistoricalData.nsf/%28Lookup%29/1F68195B08D9810E48257C7500201384?OpenDocument
  2. https://www.wa.gov.au/government/media-statements/Cook-Labor-Government/Premier-pays-tribute-to-David-Templeman-20240917
  3. https://www.parliament.wa.gov.au/parliament/Memblist.nsf/%28MemberPics%29/A3A9E27DD674A5CAC8257398001EF8E0/%24file/Valedictory%2BSpeech_DA%2BTempleman_Assembly_20241127.pdf
  4. https://www.mandurahmail.com.au/local-business/community/mandurah-wa/david-templeman-mla-member-for-mandurah-08-9581-3944
  5. https://www.parliament.wa.gov.au/parliament/memblist.nsf/%28MemberPics%29/A3A9E27DD674A5CAC8257398001EF8E0/%24file/InaugTempleman.pdf
  6. https://www.businessnews.com.au/Person/David-Templeman
  7. https://www.remixsummits.com/speaker/hon-david-templeman-mla/
  8. https://www.elections.wa.gov.au/sites/default/files/content/documents/2001_SGE_Results_and_Stats.pdf
  9. https://www.parliament.wa.gov.au/intranet/libpages.nsf/WebFiles/Antony%2BGreens%2BPreliminary%2BAnalysis%2Bof%2Bresults%2Bof%2B2005/%24FILE/Antony%2BGreens%2BPreliminary%2Banalysis%2Bof%2Bresults%2Bof%2B2005.pdf
  10. https://www.parliament.wa.gov.au/intranet/libpages.nsf/WebFiles/Election%2BAnalysis%2B-%2BMandurah/%24FILE/Mandurah%2BElections%2Bresults%2B1996%2Bto%2B2008.pdf
  11. https://www.elections.wa.gov.au/sites/default/files/content/documents/2013_SGE_Results_Stats_Part4.pdf
  12. https://www.tallyroom.com.au/archive/wa2017/mandurah2017
  13. https://www.abc.net.au/news/elections/wa/2021/guide/mand
  14. https://www.parliament.wa.gov.au/parliament/library/MPHistoricalData.nsf/(Lookup)/1F68195B08D9810E48257C7500201384?OpenDocument
  15. https://thewest.com.au/news/wa/labor-announces-its-shadow-cabinet-ng-ya-278495
  16. https://www.mandurahmail.com.au/story/4515715/mcgowan-must-insist-on-templeman/
  17. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-12-04/the-downside-to-total-control-parliament-wa-mark-mcgowan/101721944
  18. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qd2AbeIgOeM
  19. https://www.dlgsc.wa.gov.au/department/news/news-article/2018/03/14/suspension-and-dismissal-amendment-bill-2018
  20. https://www.dlgsc.wa.gov.au/docs/default-source/local-government/ministerial-circular-04-2018.pdf?sfvrsn=4ccd488c_1
  21. https://www.wa.gov.au/government/media-statements/McGowan%20Labor%20Government/Report-reveals-roadmap-to-local-government-reform-20200805
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