The Sunday Interview: WA MP Stephen Dawson discusses being an openly gay politician

You were elected to the WA Parliament in 2013, as the 23rd Irish-born MP in WA. What’s something distinctly Irish that you might have brought to the Parliament?

I’m the first Irish-born WA MP in about 50 years. I was an Irish dancer (in Ireland) and sang Irish songs. I brought renewed enthusiasm for Irish culture to the WA Parliament. For example, we have a St Patrick’s event at Parliament every year now.

You’re an openly gay politician. Has that presented any challenges during your parliamentary career?

No, it hasn’t. I’ve been lucky, I’ve never been bullied openly. But I know members of my community have been.

You came out in your late teens. Was that tough, coming out to your Irish Catholic family?

It was. It was a challenge in the early days. It surprised my parents. They felt saddened because they didn’t think I would get the same opportunities as the rest of my siblings, like having a family. They were worried I wouldn’t be treated the same in society. It was harder for my mum. She worried about my future. We are a very close-knit family. They are very supportive.

You are married to Dennis, who was the campaign co-ordinator for the WA Voice Yes campaign in WA. Two words to describe your husband.

My rock.

In fact, you’ve married Dennis three times.

I’m probably the only person who has married the same person three times. We did it once in Ireland in 2012, when Ireland allowed Irish people to have a civil union. Then we did it in 2013 in Canberra. It (marriage) stood for six days in Canberra (because of the High Court challenge). And so, we did it again when Australia eventually voted to allow marriage equality in 2018. Dennis and I joke that our marriage in Canberra was at least longer than one of Brittany Spears’ weddings.

You and Dennis are parents to a little boy, Jasper, who is 10. Is being a dad what you thought it would be?

It’s been amazing. He is a delightful child and a loving individual. Jasper changed our lives immeasurably. I love being a parent. We co-parent with his mother. We share the parenting. He has a big Rainbow family, lot of parents, lots of grandparents, and lots of love.

You were born in Dublin and emigrated to Australia in 1989 aged 14 with your mother and father, Phyllis and Noel, and sisters Mairead and Brid and brother Cormac. What was your first impressions of your new Aussie mates?

It was like moving to the set of Home and Away. In Ireland I went to a Christian Brothers school which was very strict. To then go to Hollywood Senior High School in Perth was like being in Home and Away. Surfboards. Blokes with long hair, skateboards. But everyone was welcoming.

I’m told you initially wanted to be an actor after leaving school.

I did. I did some television ads and was in a miniseries for Channel 7. I won’t mention which one in case people track it down. I haven’t given up (on being an actor yet). They are always looking for Irish actors in shows. I’m available!

Favourite actor?

I love Morgan Freeman. I didn’t mind Arnold Schwarzenegger as well. I loved the way he said ‘I’ll be back’.

You joined a union at age 14 working at Hungry Jack’s. Perhaps you were always destined to be a Labor politician?

Probably. Dad was a shop steward in Ireland. I’d always been conscious of what unions deliver for working families. I joined the Labor Party in 1995. I was a candidate in 2008 for the Upper House and then in 2013 (former Labor minister) Jon Ford — who I had previously worked for — stepped down and I replaced him.

You were Aboriginal Affairs Minister for nine months in 2021. The rollout of the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act in 2023 was a disaster. Why do you think that was the case?

We got it wrong. The community wasn’t on side, and we made a decision to overturn it. Hindsight is a great thing.

As the now Minister for Emergency Services, how worried are you about the upcoming bushfire season?

This keeps me awake at night. Things sit in my conscience. I want to make sure our volunteers and our career fire fighters have the best equipment available. Equally, I want the community to do what they can do. We will have some significant fires this season, we will have some cyclones in the North West and floods.

When do the two extra Black Hawk helicopters and the Large aerial tanker arrive?

Within next two weeks.

You are a bit of a Mr Fix-It, you’ve been given a few portfolios. I’m hearing there may be a change in Health after the election? Interested?

I serve at the pleasure of the Premier. I take whatever job I’m given. Amber’s done a great job in health.

You are the member for Mining and Pastoral. What’s the biggest issue facing your electorate?

Access to quality services. My electorate is far away from Perth, we don’t have the same access to doctors and medical specialists as you do in the city. So it’s really important we use things like technology to be able to link the citizens of my electorate with medical services.

Two Indigenous boys have died while in prison under Labor’s watch. How do you react to that?

Suicide is a tragedy. Some of these kids don’t have a chance from when they are born. So, it’s about trying to do all you can to put them on a right path and giving them the right support. Mental health treatment is really important.

Number one issue this election?

Ensuring that all West Australians are benefiting from our economy.

Why do you think Labor will win a third term of government?

I wouldn’t be so bold as to say Labor will win a third term, but we have been a very good team. We have delivered across the State in a range of areas.

Do you want Anthony Albanese to go to the polls before or after the WA election in March?

That’s a decision for the Prime Minister. We will run our own race in Western Australia.

Describe Roger Cook.

Team Player. Quality leader.

Libby Mettam or Basil Zempilas — who would be the most formidable opponent?

I think Libby is on borrowed time. I think that there will be a change (in leadership) before the election. We will compete against whoever is the leader.

Will you be a career politician?

I am here for a good time, not a long time. I am not here forever. I love it, but when I stop loving it, I expect I’ll make a decision.