[Peakoil] WA Premier quits over depression

[Adrian Whitehead]

NOTE: Of all the states I understand WA had its head around oil peak the
best. They have also been hit pretty hard by climate change. A link? He
probably has some insight the future. I wonder if he has brought a remote
property in the Kimberly for those nearest and dearest to "recuperate at" ;)

Premier quits over depression

http://www.heraldsun.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5478,17837866%255E1702,
00.html

16jan06

GEOFF Gallop has resigned as Western Australia's premier, and from
parliament, after revealing he is suffering from depression.

Dr Gallop, who advised Cabinet of his decision after returning from leave
today, said his resignation came after he sought advice from doctors about
his illness last week.
"Living with depression is a very debilitating experience which affects
different people in different ways," he said.

"My doctors advise me that with treatment, time and rest, this illness is
very curable.

"However, I cannot be certain how long (it will take)." 

WA Treasurer Eric Ripper, who was acting premier while Dr Gallop was on
leave, will continue in the position.

Dr Gallop, who is less than a year into his second term as WA premier, said
it had been an enormous privilege and pleasure to serve the state but his
condition had placed great pressure on his family.

"What has made this announcement all the more difficult today is that I love
being premier, I love the work, I love the state, and I love its people," he
said.

"My commitment to politics has always been 100 per cent plus, I now need
that time to restore my health and wellbeing."

Dr Gallop's family members and Cabinet colleagues were by his side as he
announced his resignation.

He refused to take questions, and said he would not do any further media
interviews.

Dr Gallop was first elected WA premier on February 10, 2001.

He was elected for a second term in February last year. 



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