Alannah MacTiernan.
David Baylis
Camera IconAlannah MacTiernan. David Baylis Credit: Supplied/David Baylis

Outgoing Alannah MacTiernan reflects on career in politics

Toyah ShakespeareEastern Reporter

Speaking to the Eastern Reporter at Maylands’ Swallow Bar, in a building she owns, the Highgate resident said a key contribution of hers was to help push for the Liberal leadership spill last year.

“Abbott was taking us economically and socially into a very dark place,” she said.

“We, here in Perth, made a big contribution to the campaign that really made Tony Abbott unacceptable.”

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The former State minister and Vincent Mayor said she had not planned on a Federal career but entered one because there was a “real risk” of Labor losing the Perth seat.

Ms MacTiernan said she had been “appalled” by the culture and policies about climate change, which also persuaded her to run for the Federal seat.

“I think we have been successful that that remains on the agenda,” she said.

She said she helped protect the Australian Renewable Energy Agency, Clean Energy Finance Corporation and Renewable Energy Target. Ms MacTiernan, who has stepped down after one term, said had she been offered a ministerial portfolio, she would have stayed in Parliament.

“It is hard doing this over in Canberra, getting the influence,” she said.

“It’s true, I probably would have gone around again if I felt I had a more significant role. We’ve got another good candidate waiting in the wings; he’s got time to be patient, to build up that influence, so it made sense to pass it on at this stage.”

Ms MacTiernan said she had to work hard to make sure WA was included in decision-making and believed the Liberal Party took the state for granted as they held dominance in WA.

“I think everyone gains if we have a better mix of Liberal and Labor,” she said.

Ms MacTiernan said she did not know what her next move would be, but she would not return to local government.

“I can 100 per cent rule out Lord Mayor of Perth,” she said.

“I’ve made it very clear that if the WA Labor Party feels they could use me productively, I would be happy to consider it.”

n See pages 4 and 5