Colin Barnett

Colin James Barnett (15 July 1950—) is a former Australian politician who was the 29th Premier of Western Australia from 2008-2017.

Barnett was born in Nedlands, Perth, Western Australia. He was educated at Hollywood Senior High School before studying economics at the University of Western Australia, receiving Bachelors and Masters degrees. 

He lectured in economics at the Western Australian Institute of Technology and served as an executive director of the Western Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry before entering politics.

In 1990, Barnett was elected to the Western Australian Legislative Assembly for Liberal party in the seat of Cottesloe. He held ministerial roles until 2001, when he was elected as leader of the Western Australia Liberal Party; after a brief hiatus between the unsuccessful 2005 state election, he regained the position and led the party to victory in 2008, becoming the 29th Premier of Western Australia. His Liberals were reelected in 2013, but after defeat in the 2017 elections Barnett retired from politics. 

Barnett is opposed to euthanasia. In comments made to reporters in 2010, he said:

"I don't believe our society is in a situation where we want sanctioned killing, if you like, under state powers. The issue, I believe, is best dealt with by the families and doctors in charge at the time, just as it's been traditionally done. As soon as we start legislating for euthanasia, you place all sorts of legal requirement on families, next of kin, during the last days of someone's life. ("Euthanasia 'sanctioned killing': Barnett", 2010).

(via Wikipedia)

Euthanasia 'sanctioned killing': Barnett. (2010, September 20). WA Today. https://www.watoday.com.au/national/western-australia/euthanasia-sanctioned-killing-barnett-20100920-15jfc.html