The Hon. Simon O'Brien, Liberal Member for the South Metropolitan Region, was first elected to the Western Australian State Parliament in 1996 for the term commencing in May, 1997. He was re-elected in 2001, 2005 and 2008.

On December 14, 2010, Mr O’Brien was sworn in as Minister for Finance; Commerce; and Small Business. His other portfolio responsibilities include State Revenue, Government Procurement, Building Management and Works, Labour Relations, Consumer Protection, Worksafe, Workcover, Energy Safety, Building Commission, Small Business Development Corporation, the Australian Marine Complex and the implementation of the local content policy. He is also Deputy Leader of the Government in the Legislative Council.

As Finance Minister, Mr O’Brien is a member of the Liberal-National Government’s Expenditure and Economic Review Committee which is tasked with the delivery of responsible management of the State’s finances. He is also overseeing the creation of a stand-alone Department of Finance.

Minister O’Brien has introduced legislation to create WA’s first ever Small Business Commissioner. This will deliver a more competitive and fairer operating environment in WA and provide an effective means of resolving business-to-business disputes through alternative dispute resolution. He is also progressing legislation to reform Workers’ Compensation, commercial tenancies, building approvals, retail trading hours and retirement villages.

Minister O’Brien is working with local businesses and the resources sector, in partnership with the Department of Commerce and CCIWA, to maximise opportunities for Western Australian manufacturers, skilled engineers and workers.

Minister O’Brien has previously served as Transport and Disability Services Minister from September 23, 2008, to December 14, 2010 and has served on many Parliamentary Committees over the years.

Before entering Parliament, Mr O'Brien served in a variety of management and operational roles with the Australian Customs Service, including remote area operations and air support. As a training officer, he developed an advanced course in the identification of narcotics.