Eric Stephen Ripper (born 13 September 1951) is the Leader of the Opposition and leader of the Labor Party in Western Australia.

He grew up on a wheat/sheep farm near Nyabing. Ripper later attended Churchlands Senior High School and the University of Western Australia, from which he received a Bachelor of Arts and a Diploma of Education. Before entering politics, Ripper had a career as a teacher.

Career

He entered the Parliament of Western Australia in 1988, after winning a by-election in the Electoral district of Ascot. Ripper served as Minister for Community Services and Minister for Disability Services in the Lawrence Ministry (1991-1993). He currently represents the seat of Belmont.

Ripper entered the Cabinet upon the formation of the Labor Government following the 2001 Western Australian election. He became Minister for Energy in 2001. Ripper had previously served as Deputy Premier, Treasurer, Minister for Government Enterprises and Minister Assisting the Minister for Public Sector Management in Gallop's cabinet.Prior to the 2008 election, he was the Deputy Premier and Treasurer, in the Carpenter government. Ripper succeeded Alan Carpenter as WA leader of the ALP.

Personal life

Ripper lives in Rivervale and has two sons. His partner is former Education Minister Ljiljanna Ravlich.

See also

• Next Western Australian state election

External links

• Eric Ripper MLA
• Western Australian ALP biography