Removalists spotted at ex-WA premier Mark McGowan’s home as he prepares to bid his beloved Rockingham farewell

A removalist truck has been spotted at former WA premier Mark McGowan’s Rockingham home as the seat’s longest-serving MP prepares to bid his beloved coastal city farewell. The ex-Labor leader rolled up his sleeves and helped removalists on Friday morning as they hauled various pieces of furniture into the back of the Ezi-Removals truck. The move comes after years of speculation about the couple’s interest in new real estate. In 2021, the couple had been sighted eyeing several inner-city Perth properties during inspections in the pricey suburbs of Highgate and Mount Lawley. However, The West Australian understands Mr McGowan has purchased a home in the East Fremantle area. Carrying lounges, pillows, boxes, and baskets Mr McGowan appeared laid back in a blue Under Armour t-shirt, blue jeans and a pair of Asics trainers. Confirmation of his relocation comes after speculation of a change of address when his wife Sarah was spotted on Saturday hosting a garage sale out the front of their suburban property. The front lawn had been lined with assorted priced items including furniture and kitchen appliances. Lounges were the main item of furniture loaded into the lorry on Friday, but cartons of craft beer stacked in the garage also appeared ready to be transported. A fridge, microwave and dining table were packed into the truck, leaving a large orange kayak in the garage after it didn’t appear to fit. Framed photos were placed into his car which had been parked on the front lawn. Asked about his post-politics move, Mr McGowan told The West he wouldn’t be commenting. Mrs McGowan wasn’t seen at the house on Friday. The McGowans have owned their Rockingham home for almost 20 years after buying it for $547,500. Mr McGowan had always spoken about his strong love for the southern Perth city, where he had moved to work as a lawyer at the Garden Island Naval Base. He had been handed the Labor seat in 1996 when then-local MP Mike Barnett retired. He had married Sarah the same week he was elected to the WA Parliament 27 years ago. Whether it was a beer at his local pub The Swinging Pig or a coffee along the Rockingham foreshore cafe strip, Mr McGowan made the most of his postcode. In what was to be his final election in 2021, Mr McGowan claimed a resounding victory in his seat of Rockingham and Labor was re-elected with overwhelming support across WA. It came after he received a 96 per cent approval rating, mostly due to his hardline stance during the COVID-19 pandemic. Mr McGowan is now set to take on consulting roles with mining giants BHP and Mineral Resources after his shock resignation in May citing fatigue. That exit led to Premier Roger Cook taking the helm and Magenta Marshall winning a by-election in his former seat of Rockingham. The family subdivided and sold the rear block of their current home in late 2022. Mr McGowan’s move on Friday comes after The West revealed the transition between the two cost WA taxpayers more than $1.7 million in staff payouts, with 24 ministerial employees leaving following his last day in June.