Parliamentary Friendship Groups are informal groups established by Members of the Parliament of Western Australia to raise awareness of, or increase liaison with, a particular group, organisation or issue. These groups are not formal entities of the Parliament.
Convenors:
Hon Tjorn Sibma MLC, Convenor - tjorn.sibma@mp.wa.gov.au - (08) 9440 4422
Hon Dan Caddy MLC, Deputy Convenor - daniel.caddy@mp.wa.gov.au - (08) 9301 1896
The Parliamentary Friends of Korea is open for Members from either House of Parliament of Western Australia, and any party to join
Aims and objectives
The aims and objectives of the group are to further strengthen, across all fields of endeavour, the relationship between the Republic of Korea and Western Australia.
Convenors:
Hon Dan Caddy MLC, Convenor - daniel.caddy@mp.wa.gov.au - (08) 9301 1896
Hon Nick Goiran MLC, Deputy Convenor - office.goiran@mp.wa.gov.au - (08) 9398 3800
The Parliamentary Friends of France and the Francophone Community is open for Members from either House of Parliament of Western Australia, and of any party to join.
Purpose
The aim and objectives of the group are to further strengthen, across all fields of endeavour, the relationship between France and Western Australia.
Convenors:
Hon Nick Goiran MLC, Convenor - nick.goiran@mp.wa.gov.au - (08) 9398 3800
Hon Kate Doust MLC, Deputy Convenor - kate.doust@mp.wa.gov.au - (08) 9470 3511
The Parliamentary Friends of Palliative Care is open for Members from either House of Parliament of Western Australia, and any party to join.
Aims and objectives
- facilitate communication between people and organisations working in palliative care and Members of Parliament;
- provide opportunities for Members of Parliament to learn about palliative care needs and services and the issues involved in palliative care provision;
- increase awareness and raise the profile of palliative care in the community generally; and
- promote an understanding of palliative care in accordance with the World Health Organisation’s definition of palliative care, noting in particular that palliative care “intends neither to hasten or postpone death”, and that this definition of palliative care has been endorsed by Palliative Care Australia and Palliative Care WA.
Convenors:
Hon Dr Steve Thomas MLC, Convenor - steve.thomas@mp.wa.gov.au - (08) 9792 5628
Michelle Maynard MLA, Deputy Convenor - michelle.maynard@mp.wa.gov.au - (08) 9296 7688
Bevan Eatts MLA, Deputy Convenor - bevan.eatts@mp.wa.gov.au - (08) 9848 3171
The Parliamentary Friends of WA Wines is open for Members from either House of Parliament of Western Australia, and any party to join.
Purpose
The purpose of the Parliamentary Friends of WA Wines is:
- to advocate for the development and extension of the Western Australian wine industry;
- to look for opportunities to encourage the promotion of WA wines, including for export;
- to ensure the high standards of quality and safety of the WA wine industry are maintained; and
- to engage with industry and research experts in the sector.
Convenors:
Hon Phil Twiss MLC, Convenor - phil.twiss@mp.wa.gov.au - TBA
Hon Dan Caddy MLC, Deputy Convenor - daniel.caddy@mp.wa.gov.au - (08) 9301 1896
The Parliamentary Friends of Veterans and Veteran Families is open for Members from either House of Parliament of Western Australia, and any party to join.
Aims and objectives
The aims and objectives of the group are to further strengthen the relationship between Veterans Organisations, (Ex-Service Organisations) the broader Veterans Community and Members of the 42nd West Australian Parliament.
Convenors:
Ali Kent MLA, Convenor - ali.kent.mla@mp.wa.gov.au - (08) 9021 6766
Lachlan Hunter MLA, Deputy Convenor - lachlan.hunter@mp.wa.gov.au - (08) 9622 2871
The Parliamentary Friends of Thoroughbred Racing will provide a platform for Members of Parliament to engage with racing stakeholders, learn more about the challenges and opportunities facing the industry, and celebrate the economic, cultural, and community benefits that thoroughbred racing delivers across metropolitan and regional WA.
Aims and Objectives
- Strengthen relationships and facilitate communication between Members of Parliament and key participants in the thoroughbred racing industry;
- Promote the role of thoroughbred racing as a major employer and contributor to WA’s regional economies and local communities;
- Encourage and support greater participation in thoroughbred racing, particularly through ownership, training, breeding, volunteering and attending events;
- Highlight the social, cultural, and historical significance of thoroughbred racing across Western Australia; and
- Support responsible practices in animal welfare and industry integrity, while recognising the social and economic importance of thoroughbred racing to many communities across the State.
Convenors:
Hon Andrew O'Donnell MLC, Convenor - Andrew.ODonnell@mp.wa.gov.au - (08) 9201 6007
Peter Rundle MLA, Deputy Convenor - Peter.Rundle@mp.wa.gov.au - (08) 9071 6555
The Parliamentary Friends of Cricket is open for Members from either House of Parliament of Western Australia, and any party to join.
Aims and Objectives
To promote and support WA Cricket and foster greater participation in cricket in the Western Australian community.
Convenors:
Hon Ayor Makur Chuot MLC, Convenor - Ayor.Makurchuot@mp.wa.gov.au - (08) 9344 1686
Hon Steve Thomas MLA, Deputy Convenor - Steve.Thomas@mp.wa.gov.au - (08) 9792 5628
Terry Healy MLA, Deputy Convenor - Terry.Healy@mp.wa.gov.au - (08) 9256 4900
The Parliamentary Friends of Africa is open for Members from either House of Parliament of Western Australia, and any party to join.
Aims and Objectives
- To provide opportunities for all members of Parliament to establish strong relationships with the African community in Western Australia and with the people of Africa.
- To advocate for and engage with relevant African community groups both locally and abroad.
- To foster cultural links, develop friendly relations, and enhance interactions with African community groups, businesses, and countries.
Convenors:
Hon Klara Andric MLC, Convenor - Klara.Andric@mp.wa.gov.au - (08) 9337 9176
Hon Steve Thomas MLA, Deputy Convenor - Steve.Thomas@mp.wa.gov.au - (08) 9792 5628
The Parliamentary Friends of Serbia is open for Members from either House of Parliament of Western Australia, and any party to join.
Aims and Objectives
Cultural Exchange
Promote awareness and appreciation of Serbian culture, traditions, and heritage within the WA Parliament and broader community.
Economic and Educational Links
Explore opportunities for collaboration in trade, investment, education, and tourism between WA and Serbia.
Support Bilateral Relations
Complement federal efforts to strengthen Australia-Serbian relations by fostering local initiatives and partnerships.
Convenors:
Mr Shane Love MLA, Convenor - mid-west@mp.wa.gov.au - (08) 6185 5200
Hon Jess Beckerling MLC, Deputy Convenor - Jess.Beckerling.MLC@mp.wa.gov.au - 0480 787 191
The Parliamentary Friends of Landcare is open for Members from either House of Parliament of Western Australia, and any party to join.
Aims and Objectives
- Recognise the network of individuals and organisations contributing to Landcare efforts across Western Australia, significantly the heritage, culture and contribution of our nation’s first people in the Landcare work of caring and healing of Country.
- Promote the fundamental principles and values of Landcare in Western Australia.
- Promote, raise awareness of and encourage participation in Landcare in Western Australia.
- Facilitate communication between people and organisations working in Landcare and Members of Parliament.
- Provide opportunities for Members of Parliament to learn about Landcare provisions in Western Australia and the issues involved in Landcare.
Convenors:
Hon Klasey Hirst MLC, Convenor - Klasey.Hirst@mp.wa.gov.au - 0499 244 815
Adam Hort MLA, Deputy Convenor - Adam.Hort@mp.wa.gov.au - (08) 9293 4747
Stephen Pratt MLA, Deputy Convenor - Stephen.Pratt@mp.wa.gov.au - (08) 9310 8777
The Parliamentary Friends of Rare Diseases is open for Members from either House of Parliament of Western Australia, and any party to join.
Aims and Objectives
- provide opportunities for members of Parliament to learn about the needs of people with rare diseases, as well as the issues involved in providing care and services to them;
- facilitate communication between people and organisations working with people with rare diseases and members of Parliament;
- increase awareness and raise the profile of rare diseases in the community generally; and
- promote an understanding of the work undertaken by health professionals, researchers and organisations who provide care and services to people who suffer from rare diseases.
Convenors:
Geoff Baker MLA, Convenor Geoff.Baker@mp.wa.gov.au - (08) 9368 6270
Hon Dr Steve Thomas MLC, Deputy Convenor - Steve.Thomas@mp.wa.gov.au - (08) 9792 5628
Hon Dr Brad Pettitt MLC, Deputy Convenor - Brad.Pettitt@mp.wa.gov.au - (08) 9430 7755
The Parliamentary Friends of Clean Energy is open for Members from either House of Parliament of Western Australia, and any party to join.
Aims and Objectives
- To advocate for and promote the development of clean energy in Western Australia;
- To identify opportunities for clean energy development in the state;
- To quantify and promote the role clean energy can make to the State’s climate change response;
- To engage with experts in the field of clean energy, and
- To inform Members of Parliament of the potential that the clean energy industry represents.
Convenors:
Frank Paolino MLA, Convenor - Frank.Paolino@mp.wa.gov.au - (08) 9473 0800
Liam Staltari MLA, Deputy Convenor - Liam.Staltari@mp.wa.gov.au - (08) 9246 1800
The Parliamentary Friends of Italy is open for Members from either House of Parliament of Western Australia, and any party to join.
Aims and Objectives
- Serve as a formal conduit between the WA Parliament, Italy and the Italian community;
- Co-host briefings by visiting dignitaries, members of the Italian Parliament, journalists and analysts who contribute to greater understanding of Italy; and
- Provide opportunities for Members of Parliament to learn about all aspects of Italy, including and not excluding - trade and commerce, culture and the arts, innovation and technology, and Italy's place within the wider European context.
Convenors:
Hon Dr Parwinder Kaur MLC, Convenor - Parwinder.Kaur.MLC@mp.wa.gov.au - (08) 9457 2818
Hon Tim Clifford MLC, Deputy Convenor - Tim.Clifford.MLC@mp.wa.gov.au - (08) 6356 2131
The Parliamentary Friends of Science, Medical Advancement, Research, Technology & Talent (SMARTT) is open for Members from either House of Parliament of Western Australia, and any party to join.
Aims and Objectives
- Championing science, medical research, technology, and talent to secure Western Australia’s future;
- Catalyse visionary collaboration between scientists, medical researchers, technologists, innovators, and policymakers to address Western Australia’s most pressing health, social, and environmental challenges;
- Champion future-ready thinking by promoting innovation and medical research as drivers of climate solutions, digital transformation, health breakthroughs, and economic diversification;
- Empower emerging talent in science, medical research, and technology through stronger pathways, visibility, and engagement with Parliament; and
- Elevate inclusive leadership by embracing diversity across disciplines, sectors, and communities shaping Western Australia’s innovation and health future.
Joint Convenors:
Mr Frank Paolino MLA, Convenor - Frank.Paolino@mp.wa.gov.au - (08) 9473 0800
Hon Simon Ehrenfeld MLC, Convenor - Simon.Ehrenfeld.MLC@mp.wa.gov.au - (08) 9322 4435
Deputy Convenors:
Hon Lauren Cayoun MLC, Deputy Convenor - Lauren.Cayoun@mp.wa.gov.au - (08) 9562 0510
Hon Anthony Spagnolo MLC, Deputy Convenor - Anthony.Spagnolo@mp.wa.gov.au - (08) 9379 0840
Mr Lachlan Hunter MLA, Deputy Convenor - Lachlan.Hunter@mp.wa.gov.au - (08) 9041 1702
The Parliamentary Friends of Israel is open for Members from either House of Parliament of Western Australia, and any party to join.
Aims and Objectives
- To serve as a formal conduit between the WA Parliament, Israel and the Jewish community;
- To co-host briefings by visiting dignitaries, members of the Israeli Parliament, journalists and analysts who contribute to greater understanding of Israel;
- To co-host events and ceremonies with the Western Australian Jewish Community; and
- Provide opportunities for Members of Parliament to learn about Israel, as well as the challenges and opportunities in the region.
Convenors:
Hon Sophie McNeill MLC, Convenor - Sophie.McNeill.MLC@mp.wa.gov.au - (08) 9486 8106
Dave Kelly MLA, Deputy Convenor - Dave.Kelly@mp.wa.gov.au - (08) 9279 9871
The Parliamentary Friends of Palestine is open for Members from either House of Parliament of Western Australia, and any party to join. The Parliamentary Friends of Palestine will be a platform for West Australian parliamentarians to engage with issues related to Palestine and the Palestinian people. The apolitical group advocates for the human rights and well-being of the Palestinian people, promoting understanding and awareness of the issues they face. Parliamentary Friends of Palestine supports an independent Palestinian state as part of a two-state solution to the conflict in the Middle East and for all civilians and civilian infrastructure to be protected in accordance with international law.
Aims and Objectives
- To provide a platform for West Australian parliamentarians to engage with issues related to Palestine and the Palestinian people;
- To advocate for the human rights and well-being of the Palestinian people, promoting understanding and awareness of the issues they face;
- To provide support and solidarity with the Palestinian community in Western Australia; and
- To support an independent Palestinian state as part of a two-state solution to the conflict in the Middle East and for all civilians and civilian infrastructure to be protected in accordance with international law.
Convenors:
Hon Klara Andric MLC, Convenor - klara.andric@mp.wa.gov.au - (08) 9337 9176
David Bolt MLA, Deputy Convenor - david.bolt@mp.wa.gov.au - (08) 9531 3155
The Parliamentary Friends of Philippines is open for Members from either House of Parliament of Western Australia, and any party to join.
Aims and Objectives
- Community Engagement - Facilitate dialogue between WA MPs and the Filipino-Australian community, acknowledging their contributions to the state's multicultural fabric.
- Cultural Exchange - Promote awareness and appreciation of Filipino culture, traditions, and heritage within the WA Parliament and broader community.
- Economic and Educational Links - Explore opportunities for collaboration in trade, investment, education, and tourism between WA and the Philippines.
- Support Bilateral Relations - Complement federal efforts to strengthen Australia-Philippines relations by fostering local initiatives and partnerships.
Convenor:
Hon Jessica Stojkovski MLA - Jessica.Stojkovski@mp.wa.gov.au - (08) 6552 5400
Deputy Convenors:
Hon Hannah Beazley MLA - Hannah.Beazley@mp.wa.gov.au - (08) 6552 6700
Hon Simon Ehrenfeld MLC - Simon.Ehrenfeld.MLC@mp.wa.gov.au - (08) 9322 4435
Mr Scott Leary MLA - Scott.Leary.MLA@mp.wa.gov.au - (08) 9841 8799
The Parliamentary Friends of Basketball is open for Members from either House of Parliament of Western Australia, and any party to join.
Aims and Objectives
- Strengthen relations, and facilitate communications, between basketball-related associations, the diverse communities who engage with basketball, and Members of Parliament;
- Support opportunities to expand the reach of basketball across Western Australia and improve the capacities and capabilities of basketball clubs and associations throughout the State;
- Promote the benefits of basketball on the mental, physical and social health of players, spectators, organisers, volunteers, and the community at large; and
- Support greater accessibility to basketball, including amongst our First Nations, regional, migrant and disability communities, and foster inclusivity in the sport.
Convenor:
Hon Andrew O'Donnell MLC - Andrew.ODonnell@mp.wa.gov.au - (08) 9201 0582
Deputy Convenor:
Hon Michelle Boylan MLC - Michelle.Boylan@mp.wa.gov.au - (08) 9792 5628
The Parliamentary Friends of Japan is open for Members from either House of Parliament of Western Australia, and any party to join.
Aims and Objectives
Western Australia and Japan have a long association which has been strengthened over many years by people to people and business exchange as well as numerous state, sister city, port and educational relationships.
The Goals of this group are:
- to encourage friendship and cultural exchange between the Western Australia members of Parliament and the Japanese community;
- advocate for active engagement with Japanese cultural and business endeavours and;
- promote the WA-Japan relationship more broadly.
Convenor:
Hon Ayor Makur Chuot MLC - Ayor.Makurchuot@mp.wa.gov.au - (08) 9344 1686
Deputy Convenors:
Hon Julie Freeman MLC - Julie.Freeman@mp.wa.gov.au - (08) 9144 4187
Hon Klara Andric MLC - Klara.Andric@mp.wa.gov.au - (08) 9337 9176
The Parliamentary Friends of Fashion is open for Members from either House of Parliament of Western Australia, and any party to join.
Aims and Objectives
- To provide opportunities for Members of Parliament to establish strong connections with Western Australia’s diverse fashion industry, including designers, models/agencies, manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers, educators, event creators and collaborators who are impacting local, regional, national, and global spaces;
- To engage with and advocate on behalf of fashion industry people, many of whom are entrepreneurial women, contributing to our state’s culture and the arts, innovation, trade, and tourism sectors; and
- To promote and educate the community about sustainable fashion practices, encouraging innovation and awareness that supports environmental responsibility, ethical production, and long‑term growth of Western Australia’s fashion industry.
Convenor:
Hon Ayor Makur Chuot MLC - Ayor.Makurchuot@mp.wa.gov.au - (08) 9344 1686
Deputy Convenors:
Hon Michelle Hofmann MLC - Michelle.Hofmann@mp.wa.gov.au - (08) 9311 7809
Hon Sophie McNeill MLC - Sophie.McNeill@mp.wa.gov.au - (08) 9486 8106
The Parliamentary Friends of Refugees is open for Members from either House of Parliament of Western Australia, and any party to join.
Aims and Objectives
- To deepen awareness and engagement between the Western Australian Parliament and Refugee advocacy groups and refugees within the WA community; and
- To provide a rare opportunity for MPs to meet with refugees and hear their stories directly, while also hearing from advocacy groups about the flaws in legislation, regulation and service delivery that may disadvantage vulnerable people fleeing terror.
Convenor:
Hon Michelle Boylan MLC, WA Liberal- Michelle.Boylan@mp.wa.gov.au - (08) 9792 5628
Deputy Convenors:
Hon Pierre Yang MLC, WA Labor - Pierre.Yang@mp.wa.gov.au - (08) 9380 6957
Hon Ayor Makur Chuot MLC, WA Labor - Ayor.Makurchuot@mp.wa.gov.au - (08) 9344 1686
The Parliamentary Friends of School Chaplaincy is open for Members from either House of Parliament of Western Australia, and any party to join.
Aims and Objectives
- Support and promote the benefits of School Chaplains and Student Wellbeing Officers within school communities in WA.; and
- Foster positive school environments by advocating for the essential roles of Chaplains and Wellbeing Services.
Convenor:
Hon Pierre Yang MLC - Pierre.Yang@mp.wa.gov.au - (08) 9380 6957
Deputy Convenor:
Hon Michelle Boylan MLC - Michelle.Boylan@mp.wa.gov.au - (08) 9792 5628
The Parliamentary Friends of Motor Neurone Disease (MND) is open for Members from either House of Parliament of Western Australia, and any party to join.
Aims and Objectives
- Facilitate communication between people and organisations working with people with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) and members of Parliament;
- Increase awareness and understanding of MND and its support services in the broader community; and
- Provide opportunities for Members of Parliament to learn about MND care needs and services and issues involved in MND care provision.
Convenor:
Ms Caitlin Collins MLA - Caitlin.Collins.MLA@mp.wa.gov.au - (08) 9402 0070
Deputy Convenors:
Ms Magenta Marshall MLA - Magenta.Marshall@mp.wa.gov.au - (08) 9592 7422
Ms Libby Mettam MLA - Libby.Mettam@mp.wa.gov.au - (08) 9752 1949
Hon Simon Ehrenfeld MLC - Simon.Ehrenfeld.MLC@mp.wa.gov.au - (08) 9322 4435
The Parliamentary Friends of the United States of America is open for Members from either House of Parliament of Western Australia, and any party to join.
Aims and Objectives
- To serve as a formal conduit between the Parliament of Western Australia and the United States of America;
- Coordinating events for Members to learn more about topics which underpin Western Australia–United States relations, including but not limited to defence, defence industries, AUKUS, resources, critical minerals, energy and advanced manufacturing;
- Co-hosting discussions by visiting dignitaries, members of the United States congressional delegations, journalists and analysts who have deep knowledge of the United States of America; and
- To encourage multi-party participation and action to support and deepen Western Australia’s relationship with the United States of America.