Simone McGurk

Simone Frances McGurk (born 5 December 1963^[1]) is an Australian politician. She is the member of the Western Australian Legislative Assembly for the seat of Fremantle, and Minister for Creative Industries, Heritage, Industrial Relations, Aged Care and Seniors, Women.[2] Prior to entering Parliament, McGurk was Secretary of UnionsWA,[3] Western Australia's peak trade union body, having previously served as an official of the Australian Manufacturing Workers Union and United Voice. She also served as a member of the Western Australian State Training Board, and on the board of the Industry superannuation fund, AustralianSuper.[4] McGurk has also worked as a producer for the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, was the Chair of University of Melbourne Student Union (UMSU) and worked briefly for the Yamatji Land and Sea Council.[3]

The Honourable Simone McGurk MLA
McGurk in 2015
Member of the Western Australian Legislative Assembly for Fremantle
Incumbent
Assumed office 9 March 2013
Preceded by	Adele Carles
Personal details
Born	Simone Frances McGurk (1963-12-05) 5 December 1963 (age 61) Perth, Western Australia
Political party	Labor Party
Website	simonemcgurk.com.au

In Government

On 17 March 2017, McGurk was sworn in as Minister for Child Protection; Women's Interests; Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence; Community Services,[5][6] and served in these roles until 14 December 2022.[7]

As the State’s first Minister for Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence, McGurk oversaw significant family and Domestic violence reforms[8] and as Child Protection Minister improved a range of measures including; expanding the mandatory reporting of child sex abuse, including to priests, expanding supports for young people in care to age 21 under the award-winning 'Home Stretch' program, oversaw the implementation of multi-disciplinary early intervention youth justice program 'Target 120' and modernised legislation to increase involvement of families and Aboriginal-controlled organisations in decision-making around Aboriginal children in care.

As Women’s Interests Minister she supported legislation for safe access zones around Abortion clinics.[9]

She served as Minister for Training; Water; Youth from 14 December 2022 to 8 December 2023, then Minister for Training and Workforce Development; Water; Industrial Relations from 8 December 2023.

During this time, she modernised the State industrial relations system by enhancing worker protections and enshrined a prohibition on sexual harassment at work.

She negotiated wage increases for public sector workers including WA teachers, nurses, midwives, doctors, police, TAFE lecturers, education assistants, transit officers, hospital support workers and child protection workers.

She was re-elected in the 2025 Western Australian state election.[10] ^[2]