WA Treasurer quits after breakdown

AAP West Australian Treasurer Troy Buswell has resigned after having a breakdown.

The colourful, charismatic and controversial ministerial career of West Australian politician Troy Buswell is over, as he begins a battle to recover from a mental breakdown.

At an emotional press conference, Premier Colin Barnett confirmed Mr Buswell had tendered his resignation during a phone call when he also admitted crashing his government car into security gates at his Perth home.

The February 23 incident sparked a brief police investigation on the night and then prompted Mr Buswell to take personal leave for the past two weeks.

But the full details of the crash, which occurred after Mr Buswell had driven home from a wedding, only emerged publicly on Sunday after the witness who reported the erratic driving to the police told the same story to local media.

"It is a very sad day and a sad situation he found himself in. He has had a breakdown," Mr Barnett said.

Since taking leave, Mr Buswell had been in hospital undergoing treatment in both Perth and Sydney, Mr Barnett said.

He has been released from hospital and returned to Perth but is still under medical care.

Mr Buswell resigned as WA treasurer and transport minister but remains MP for the regional seat of Vasse.

The dramatic day began with a West Australian newspaper report of a witness saying they had to stop their vehicle to avoid being struck by Mr Buswell's white Holden Caprice on Roberts Road, Subiaco.

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WA Treasurer quits after breakdown