Colin Barnett was elected as Western Australia's 29th Premier on 6 September 2008.

Following the election victory, he formed a Liberal-National Government with the support of three Independent Members of Parliament.

Becoming Premier is the culmination of a long parliamentary career. Mr Barnett was first elected as the Liberal Member for Cottesloe in 1990 and became Deputy Leader of the Liberal Party in 1992.

He was a senior Minister in the Court Government (1993 – 2001) holding the portfolios of Resources Development, Energy, Education and Tourism. Colin was also Leader of the House. From 2001 to 2005, he was Leader of the Opposition.

As well as Premier, Mr Barnett is also Minister for State Development.

Mr Barnett is best known for his role in the economic development of Western Australia. As a Minister, he was involved in major projects including the Goldfields Gas Pipeline, hydro electric power on the Ord River, the Onslow Salt Project, expansion of the North West Shelf Project and the Perth underground power project. As Education Minister he introduced a kindergarten and pre-primary program for children throughout the state.

In October 2010, he announced the creation of the Kimberley Wilderness Parks, one of the most significant environmental initiatives in Western Australia's history.

As Premier, Mr Barnett holds a strong pro-development position and is committed to large scale projects around the state that will provide a strong foundation for Western Australia's economic growth, including a liquefied natural gas precinct for the Kimberley region and a new deep sea port at Oakajee near Geraldton. For the capital city of Perth, his government is undertaking to sink the railway that physically divides the central business district, develop a major city square and create a waterfront tourism area on the Swan River.

Mr Barnett is also committed to ensuring economic growth supports all Western Australians, including the most vulnerable, through the Liberal-National Government's strong and innovative social agenda.

Mr Barnett holds an Honours and Masters Degree in Economics from the University of Western Australia.

_{As at 17-November-2011}