Former Regional Development Minister Tom Stephens named as Kimberley Development Commission chairperson

Former Regional Development Minister Tom Stephens has been appointed chairperson of the Kimberley’s top statutory body. Mr Stephens was announced as the new chair of the Kimberley Development Commission on February 4. He has a long history with regional WA. He served in Parliament from 1982 to 2013 in various roles, including as Minister for Regional Development, and is currently on the board of the MG Corporation and the Regional Development Trust. Mr Stephens was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in 2014 for his service to Indigenous affairs and to the Parliament of WA. Regional development commissions are key to the McGowan government’s job-creating agenda in regional WA. Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan said there was enormous potential to diversify the Kimberley’s economy and strengthen the local community. “Tom’s long connection to the Kimberley and deep understanding of regional development will ensure the development commission is at the forefront of driving opportunities and tackling challenges in the north,” she said. “We thank outgoing Kimberley Development Commission chair David Mack for his contribution to the region and wish him all the best in his future endeavours.”