Another Australia's state minister resigns

Australia's state New South Wales (NSW) Juvenile Justice Minister Graham West on Friday quit politics, citing frustration with "partisan politics" as part of the reason for his departure.

The 36-year-old Member for Campbelltown, in Sydney's southwest, made the announcement in parliament on Friday.

He will not re-contest his seat at the 2011 election.

West told parliament he was resigning so that he could work with communities in a non-partisan way.

"As I have got more involved in juvenile justice I have seen the many young people who have so much more to offer society, when given the right support," West said.

"The voices of these young people and their communities are seldom heard - it is we who must be that voice. It is a fight that must leave behind partisan politics," he said.

"For that reason I announce that I am returning my commission as a minister for the crown and will not be re-contesting the election," West added.

The move is another blow for NSW Premier Kristina Keneally's Labor government, which only two weeks ago lost senior minister David Campbell after he was caught visiting a Sydney sex club.

West entered NSW parliament in 2001 and since 2007 has held portfolios including gaming and racing and sport and recreation.

Since September 2008 he has been minister for juvenile justice and youth and volunteering.

Keneally said she had accepted West's resignation.

Barbara Perry would assume the position of acting minister for juvenile justice from Friday, Keneally said in a statement.

Perry, who is currently local government minister, was juvenile justice minister from April 2007 to September 2008.

Source: Xinhua