Hon John Day

John Day was first elected to the Legislative Assembly of the WA Parliament in 1993 and currently represents the Kalamunda electorate. He was the Minister for Police and Emergency Services (1997-98) and the Minister for Health (1998-2001) in the previous Liberal Coalition Government. In recent years, he held many Shadow portfolios including Resources Development and Energy; Pilbara; Education and Training; Indigenous Affairs; Transport; Water Resources; Energy.

John also served on numerous Parliamentary and other committees, including those concerned with the Darling Range bushfire hazard, road safety and acquired brain injuries.

When the Liberal-National Government formed after the September 2008 election, John was appointed as the Minister for Planning and Culture and the Arts.

In this role, John has been focusing on streamlining the planning approvals process and laying the foundation for planning reform. A more streamlined and responsive approvals process will help boost developments in this State. Identifying areas for future urban and industrial growth in WA has also been a particular focus of attention.

John is committed to seeing the Perth Cultural Centre revitalized, including the development of a new museum and an upgrade of public spaces within this precinct to help transform the area into a popular destination for cultural entertainment and general lifestyle activities. As Planning Minister he oversees major current developments that help ensure Perth remains a contemporary, liveable and globally competitive city, including the Link in Northbridge and the Waterfront project.

In December 2010, Science and Innovation was added to John’s portfolios. As the Minister, John encourages the sustainable economic development of the State through industry, science and innovation activities.

Before embarking on a political career, John was a dentist in private practice, and previously with the Perth Dental Hospital. He studied science and dentistry at the University of Western Australia. He has lived most of his life in the Perth Hills. He and his wife Nikki have four adult children between them.