Eric Ripper

Eric Ripper AM was Western Australian Deputy Premier and Treasurer from 2001 to 2008, and was Leader of the Opposition and Leader of the Labor Party in WA until 2012. His parliamentary career started in 1989 as member for Belmont in the Legislative Assembly. Prior to that he was a school teacher, union organiser and ministerial advisor.

Mr Ripper grew up on a wheat/sheep farm near Nyabing.

He was recognised in the 2017 Australia Day Honours as a Member of the Order of Australia for his service to the people and Parliament of WA, particularly for his work on budgetary reform, native title policy and energy sector developments.