John Kobelke

Who is John Kobelke?

John Charles Kobelke in Mount Lawley, Western Australia is an Australian politician. He has been an ALP member of the Western Australian Legislative Assembly since February 1989, representing the electorate of Balcatta.

Until the defeat of the Carpenter government in 2008, Kobelke was variously Minister for Police and Emergency Services; Community Safety; Water Resources; Sport and Recreation.

He was educated at Christian Brothers' High School, Highgate and the University of Western Australia. He has also taught at various schools across Perth.

In 1989, he was elected to the seat of Nollamara, which has since been renamed Balcatta. During 1992 he was the Parliamentary Secretary to Cabinet in the Lawrence Government.

During the years of 1993-2000, when the Labor Party was in opposition, he served as the spokesperson for Labour Relations, Planning, Lands, Housing, Youth, Education, Employment and Training, Works and Services and Freedom of Information.

He has served the portfolios of Training from 2001–2003 and as the Minister assisting in public sector management from 2003-2005.

On the 20 March 2012, Kobelke announced that he would not stand for re-election in the 2013 Western Australian State election due to personal reasons.