Peter Kennedy, one of WA's leading political journalists was a high school teacher and lecturer before working as a journalist with the West Australian. After serving as State political correspondent with the Sydney Morning Herald from 1977 and then as Chief of Staff in the Canberra press gallery he worked as Press Secretary to Deputy Premier Mal Bryce before joining the ABC in 1990 as presenter,  political reporter and analyst. In 1995 he was awarded the Clarion Prize by his peers for outstanding contribution to journalism.

As premier, Geoff Gallop was determined to distance his government from the image of Labor in power during the 'WA Inc.' decade.

This meant no short cuts in decision making. His government was consequently criticised as being cautious and 'process driven', but there was never a hint of the scandal which dogged earlier Labor administrations.

His ban on dealing with the lobbyists - and former prominent Labor MPs - Brian Burke and Julian Grill, illustrated his determination to be seen to be squeaky clean. But there was also a personal cost. The ban bred resentment in some sections of Labor ranks, leading to resistance and criticism from surprising quarters.

There were tough decisions, such as the ending of old growth logging in the South-West which angered traditional supporters. Fortunately it coincided with the economic upturn, which cushioned the impact on jobs.

Dr Gallop resigned at the start of an extraordinary boom which placed massive strains on the public sector. Some decisions may have been sluggish, but he oversaw the timely expansion of regional ports, which avoided export bottlenecks.

His personal integrity remained intact.

Peter Kennedy.
Photograph courtesy Parliament of Western Australia.