Kevin Michel MLA

Member for Pilbara

Kevin was born in Golden Rock, India and completed a diploma in air-conditioning and Refrigeration in Bangalore, India. He completed 2 years of his Degree in Mechanical Engineering before migrating to Melbourne in 1990. Kevin completed his Diploma in Mechanical Engineering in the Air Conditioning trade from the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology in Melbourne, South East Metropolitan College of TAFE and Swan College of TAFE in Perth, with distinctions in 3 subjects modules and was awarded the Allan Roberts Medal for Best Studies in air-conditioning and refrigeration.

Kevin moved to Karratha in 2002 and fell in love with the Pilbara’s rugged beauty and opportunities for fishing and four-wheel driving adventures. He loved the beautiful landscape and was captivated by the red sand. He started working as a site manager at Haden Engineering maintaining the air-conditioning systems at the Karratha Gas Plant.

In 2010, Kevin started his own business. He had two offices; in Karratha and in Port Hedland, working very long hours building the business, and went from strength to strength. The business expanded and diversified into electrical. His business grew to nearly30 staff, including two apprentices. The business completed several big contracts in Karratha and Port Hedland, and carried out works in Roebourne, Point Samson, Newman, Marble Bar, Jigalong, Jimblebar.

Kevin left his business to run for the 2017 WA state election. He fought to ensure a local voice for the Pilbara and to join the McGowan Labor Government in putting WA jobs first. As someone who has lived in the Pilbara for more than 20 years, Kevin was very passionate about making sure our unique communities are sustainable. That means fighting for the local jobs that Pilbara residents and families rely on. This is his focus – local jobs for local Pilbara residents, with big projects undertaking local procurement and local contract requirements.

Since 2017, Kevin have been working hard to represent the people of the Pilbara, creating local jobs on local projects, delivering the McGowan Government’s Plan for the Pilbara, and securing $1 billion in Royalties for Regions over four years. Completion of the third stage of Manuwarra Red Dog Highway and building of the Hedland Spoilbank Marina.

Since his re-election in 2021, Kevin has been part of the McGowan/Cook Government’s accomplishments including the implementation of the Regional Airfare Cap scheme, the successful launch of solar initiatives in all Schools across the Pilbara, progress on the Potash Project, the noteworthy Hydrogen Project led by Yarra, the substantial Perdaman Project, as well as significant contributions to the Australian Renewable Energy Hub, the establishment of the Pilbara Grid, funding for the final stage of the Manuwarra Red Dog Highway, expansion initiatives at North Regional Tafe's Pundulmurra and Minurmarghali Mia Campuses, the redevelopment of Newman Hospital, and the successful rollout of the Target 120 program in various parts of The Pilbara, a new School for Roebourne, the Ranger programme across the Pilbara. Working towards attracting medical specialists for the Pilbara. Electricity credit to all households of $ 400/- and $ 650/- to eligible small businesses. Subsidising TAFE fees. 5.2 billion investment in regional roads.

The Pilbara drives WA’s economy with continued support for local projects and a big boost for our training sector.