The Hon John Castrilli MLA has been the Member for Bunbury since 2005. He is highly respected for his values, integrity and representative work he does on behalf of his constituents. These attributes resulted in him being re-elected in 2008 with an increased majority winning every polling booth in the Bunbury electorate.

John was first appointed Minister for Local Government; Heritage; Citizenship and Multicultural Interests in the Colin Barnett led Liberal National Government in September 2008 and continues in these roles today.

In his local government portfolio John has initiated the widely recognised need for reform of the local government sector in WA. The reform is based on improving governance structures through regional decision making and increasing the capacity of local governments to better plan and deliver services to their communities. In December 2010 there were 75 local governments voluntarily engaged in the reform and two important guidelines have been released to assist with building the capacity of the sector.

John has reformed the heritage portfolio through the appointment of a new Chair and blend of skills set on the Heritage Council to ensure a balanced approach to heritage matters. The Heritage Council has also appointed a new Executive Director and the operational management of the Office of Heritage is now within the Department of Local Government. He has also introduced legislation to increase penalties for illegal demolition of State registered properties and has instigated a comprehensive review of the Heritage Act. John continues his advocacy for an increase in the adaptive re use of heritage buildings throughout the State.

John initiated a much needed Multicultural Strategic Plan early in 2009. Importantly the plan was based on active engagement with the culturally and linguistically diverse (CaLD) communities within WA. The key objectives of the Plan are participation, equity and promotion/celebration of our State’s diverse community. With just under 50% of the State’s total population having one or both parents born overseas, WA is home to over 200 different nationalities and cultures. Under John’s vision and leadership his department has steadily increased the public sector’s awareness of the special needs of persons from CaLD backgrounds which in turn is a great help to those persons in terms of social (for example understanding transport systems) and economic benefits (securing jobs).

John has a special understanding of persons from CaLD communities as he too was a non English speaking migrant.

Prior to entering Parliament, John has previously worked as an Accountant and Director of a Bunbury finance firm and has extensive experience in banking and trade facilitation. He is a former Councillor (6 years) and Mayor (8 years) of the City of Bunbury.

On a personal level John is a committed family man and lives in Bunbury with his wife and extended family.