Jessica Shaw is the Member for Swan Hills in the WA Legislative Assembly and Parliamentary Secretary to the Premier and Minister for State Development & Industry Development, Jobs and Trade, Public Sector Management and Federal-State Relations in the Cook Labor Government. 

She first moved to the electorate in 2006 and is the first local resident to represent our community in many years.

Prior to entering politics, Jess had a successful career in the private sector. She was a commercial executive in the energy industry, before being elected at the 2017 State Election. Jess’ family own local small businesses in the building trades - she understands what it takes to get our local economy working.

Jess is focused on delivering employment and commercial opportunities for local workers and small businesses in the construction trades, tourism industry, retail and services sectors.

A proud public school graduate (and the first person in her family to finish high school!), Jess understands the importance of high quality public schooling and the need to provide safe, secure recreational services and facilities for our youth.

She fought and secured funding for a local Child and Parent Centre for young families; a local Education Support Centre for primary school children with disabilities; a Community Services Centre; millions of dollars in funding for local school upgrades; and a purpose-built youth centre in the heart of our community.

She is committed to delivering better public transport links and securing the road, rail and community infrastructure we need and deserve - including the Ellenbrook train line! Jessica is focused on community safety and secured State Government funding to open the Ellenbrook Police Station 24/7, increasing the number of police based in our local community and out patrolling our streets.

Community service is very important to Jess. She supports a range of local sporting, arts, cultural, environmental and other community organisations. She was a founding member of the Pearce Ellenbrook Chamber of Commerce & Community and assists a number of local resident, ratepayer and progress associations.

Much of the work Jess does with local groups - particularly in the Hills and the Swan Valley - involves planning, environmental and land use issues. It’s vital that we protect the natural beauty of the Hills and the agricultural functions in the Swan Valley. Developments should preserve our local environmental values and be in keeping with the character of our towns and villages.

In her first term of office, Jess chaired the Parliament’s Economics and Industry Standing Committee. Her policy interests are centred on economic development; energy; environment; supporting innovation and generating commercial opportunities for WA businesses - small and large. She believes in the importance of ensuring that government, community and industry work together to improve the quality of life of all Western Australians.

In her second term of office, Jess was asked to serve in the McGowan Government as Parliamentary Secretary. In addition to her current role, she has served in the Tourism; Culture and Arts; Heritage; Child Protection; Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence; Women’s Interests; Community Services; Hydrogen Industry; Commerce and Science portfolios. 

A study junkie, Jess has four university degrees and credits her parents for giving her a strong work ethic and commitment to social justice. She is deeply grateful for the love and support of her family and her miniature Schnauzer, Harry!

Further biographical details can be found here: