Out West: Big State, Small Town – An Evening with Colin Barnett 2026

Event details

Location

  • UWA Business School

Date and time

  • Wednesday 2 September
    5–6pm AWST

Event type

  • Business

Audience

  • Researchers
  • Community
  • Professionals

Event Fee

  • Free

Registration

  • Link coming soon

Out West: Big State, Small Town – An Evening with Colin Barnett

In-person event
Wednesday 2 September, 5pm – 6pm AWST (Perth WA Time)
UWA Business School

Join former Western Australian Premier, UWA Business School alumnus and Adjunct Professor Colin Barnett AC for an engaging evening celebrating the launch of his new book, Out West.

Drawing on more than two decades in public life, Barnett offers a firsthand account of the decisions, relationships and leadership that helped shape modern Western Australia. From the state's transformation into a global mining and energy powerhouse to landmark infrastructure projects, environmental conservation in the Kimberley and significant native title settlements, Out West provides a unique perspective on the forces that have influenced WA's growth and prosperity.

In conversation, Barnett will reflect on the opportunities and challenges of political leadership, Australia's place in a changing world, and the lessons learned from leading one of the nation's most dynamic states. Whether you're interested in politics, history, economics or Western Australia's future, this promises to be an engaging evening of discussion and insight.

About Colin Barnett

Colin Barnett AC is one of Western Australia's most influential political leaders. Born and educated in WA, he holds both Honours and Master's degrees in Economics from The University of Western Australia.

Before entering politics, Barnett worked with the Australian Bureau of Statistics, Curtin University and served as Executive Director of the WA Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Elected as the Member for Cottesloe in 1990, he served as Leader or Deputy Leader of the Parliamentary Liberal Party at every state election between 1993 and 2017, including nine years as Premier of Western Australia from 2008 to 2017.

Throughout his career, Barnett played a key role in major economic reforms, education initiatives and the development of significant infrastructure projects. As Premier, he strengthened Western Australia's relationship with China during a period of unprecedented growth in the resources sector, oversaw landmark native title settlements, expanded conservation efforts across the Kimberley, and led transformative projects including Elizabeth Quay, Perth Stadium, Yagan Square, the sinking of the Perth rail line and Perth Children's Hospital.

Barnett is currently an Adjunct Professor at the UWA Business School and was appointed a Companion of the Order of Australia (AC), the nation's highest civilian honour, in recognition of his distinguished service to public administration and the people of Western Australia.

Out West: Big State, Small Town book cover

Out West: Big State, Small Town

Colin Barnett

Narrative Nonfiction, Political Memoir

Colin Barnett AC, born and educated in Western Australia, was the State’s Premier from 2008 to 2017. His early training in Economics was followed by a long political career from 1990. He served as Leader or Deputy Leader of the Parliamentary Liberal Party for every election from 1993 to 2017.
In Out West, Colin Barnett traces the modern economic and political story of Western Australia through the lens of his own life and leadership. He reflects on the forces that have shaped the state’s development. Vast in scale and physically isolated, Western Australia has long been seen as different, yet it has emerged as Australia’s leading export state, responsible for around half of the nation’s exports.

From an agricultural base to an economy dominated by mining and gas, Barnett offers an insider’s account of the transformation driven by global demand and sustained relationships with Japan and, later, China. Barnett was at the centre of this transition, holding key portfolios including Treasury, Education and Tourism. His legacy also includes the environmental protection of the Kimberley, the settlement of native title claims, and landmark infrastructure projects that reshaped Perth.

Barnett writes candidly about leadership at the state and national level, recounting his dealings with four Australian Prime Ministers and his role in international trade and investment, from London to Houston. Throughout, Out West is grounded in a deep sense of place, a story of a vast state with small-town roots, and the challenges and responsibilities that come with governing at the edge of the nation.

Release date: 3rd July 2026

Endorsements for Out West

Hon Tony Abbott AC, Prime Minister of Australia (2013–15)

I hope this book is widely read, as a lovely account of working for the betterment of Western Australia. It is clear, concise and honest. It should encourage more people into public life. As a Minister and as Premier, Colin Barnett focused on getting things done, such as changing state schools to also be independent public schools. He always had the right kind of ambition, less for himself and more for his state and country. This book is a fragrant reminder that it’s possible to succeed in both politics and policy.

Hon Jeff Kennett AC, Premier of Victoria (1992–99)

My political career overlapped with Colin Barnett’s for many years, and I had the opportunity to observe his leadership both during and after my time as Premier of Victoria. As this book makes clear, Colin was never one for the noise of politics. Instead, he was a quiet, considered leader who understood Western Australia, its people and its potential. He is, in many ways, more than a politician. Colin is someone who, when given the opportunity to lead, maintained his dignity and values while quietly and effectively delivering for his community. This book captures that character and provides an insight into the leadership I came to know and respect.

Hon Kerry Sanderson AC CVO, Governor of Western Australia (2014–18)

Out West is a fascinating account of events in Western Australia over recent decades. I admired the ethical, determined and logical way Colin worked to resolve issues. The preservation of much of the far north Kimberley protects one of the world’s last great wilderness areas. His vision on economic development reminds Western Australians that they live in an exciting state.

Sam Walsh AO, Global CEO, Rio Tinto (2013–16)

Colin Barnett and his government are recognised as being strongly supportive of state development. As CEO of Rio Tinto I appreciated his managing of any obstacles to our $20 billion expansion project.

Later Rio Tinto decided to hand back to the state the bauxite mining leases over the spectacular Mitchell Plateau in the Kimberley. It was agreed with Colin that the area will never be mined as it will become a National Park. And that is what happened.

 
Hon Ken Wyatt AM JP, Federal Minster for Indigenous Australians (2019–22)

During Colin's time as Premier of Western Australia, Aboriginal affairs assumed an increasingly visible place in public policy. The government he led worked constructively on closing the gap in health, education and employment. The Noongar land agreement over Perth and the south-west of the state, is a defining moment in Australian history.

Jock Barker, Mayor, Town of Claremont (2009–25)
The western suburbs of Perth were fortunate to have Premier Colin Barnett as their local member. He was widely respected as a straight shooter. He always made time to meet with local councils and community groups. Landmark projects in the area included underground power, Shenton College, Perth Children’s Hospital and the redevelopment of the Claremont Oval and town centre. For all of Perth, the building of Perth Stadium is a spectacular achievement.
Peter van Onselen, Political journalist, academic
Out West is a sharply observed account of power, policy and personality from a leader who wasn’t in politics to posture. It is frank about success and failure, and powerful when explaining how Western Australia’s fortunes are shaped as much by Asia and natural resources as by whatever happens in Canberra. This is a compelling insiders view of a state that thinks and acts big.