Wyatt scores board role

Former Western Australian treasurer Ben Wyatt has been appointed to the board of medical research organisation Telethon Kids Institute, his first role since leaving from politics.

Mr Wyatt spent 12 years in politics, most recently as treasurer, minister for finance, energy and Aboriginal affairs before retiring at the last election.

Prior to entering parliament, he worked as a lawyer for Minter Ellison and as counsel for the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions of Western Australia.

Telethon Kids Institute chair Julie Bishop said Mr Wyatt had an exemplary career of service to the community.  

“I am confident that with his skills, experience and connections, he will be an outstanding contributor to our mission to improve the health and development of children and young people in this state, and around the world,” Ms Bishop said.

Mr Wyatt said he had been impressed by the range of research that came out of the medical research institute.  

“There’s no doubt they are leaders in areas like infectious diseases, autism and respiratory health that affect so many children,” Mr Wyatt said.

“The institute’s focus on working in partnership with communities and families to improve the trajectories for Aboriginal children is particularly important for me.

“We cannot accept or ignore the continued disparities where our kids often start way behind other Australian children in terms of health and opportunities.

“We must do better, and we need high quality research along with highly trained Aboriginal researchers to help lead that change.

“I know this is a top priority for the institute.”

Mr Wyatt will attend his first board meeting on Thursday.

There has been speculation about where Mr Wyatt might work next. 

Rumours suggest he could be offered a role with one of the big miners.