Murray's bid to be SW Minister

Collie-Preston MLA Mick Murray has vowed to recontest his seat at the next election because he wants to be the next South West Minister.

Mr Murray, 65, said he had decided to continue his 14-year political career, dispelling speculation he would retire at the 2017 election.

"I am the same age as (Premier) Colin Barnett and I am enjoying the job," he said.

The Collie-based politician hopes Labor will end the Liberal-Nationals' two-term reign at the next election in 20 months.

Mr Murray, a former mechanic, has never been a minister in his political career but has been parliamentary secretary on a number of occasions.

"I believe the South West has been left out of the political equation on many occasions because we don't have a dedicated Minister for the South West," he said.

"It is one of the major growth areas in WA but it has been given very little regard in this Cabinet.

"We see the National Party putting its hand-up for the Pilbara and the Mid West but who is putting their hand up for the South West?

"I believe that's a job I would love to do so to put the South West back on top."

Mr Murray has faced a number of challenges in the past year.

He was forced to publicly reveal his daughter Bree's battle with drug addiction and then used the experience to launch Labor's Methylamphetmaine Action Plan.

Mr Murray was also bed-ridden for a month after he developed an infection in hospital following back surgery.

The decision to recontest his seat will be a boost for Labor's fortunes of winning the next election, according to ECU political analyst Dr Harry Phillips.

Mr Murray won the Collie-Preston seat by only a handful of votes over Liberal candidate Jaimee Motion at the 2013 election.

"It is very good news for Labor," Dr Phillips said.

"Without his local touch, they would have lost his seat."

Labor leader Mark McGowan has already promised Mr Murray a ministry if Labor wins.

Mr McGowan has previously described him as the "strongest advocate for the South West in the Parliament".