WA Premier Roger Cook (centre) has reshuffled his Cabinet. Photo: Reece Whitby MLA/Facebook.
Following the retirement of former minister Paul Papalia, Western Australian Premier Roger Cook has revealed new portfolio allocations.
As part of new Cabinet agreements, the Premier will take responsibility for Defence Industries, leading Western Australia’s development in naval maintenance and shipbuilding.
Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson will support the Premier as the Assistant Minister for Defence Industries, while Deputy Premier Rita Saffioti will work in an expanded Transport and Major Infrastructure portfolio.
Minister John Carey will become Assistant Minister for Transport Infrastructure, supporting the Deputy Premier.
Mr Cook will also take on a new Tourism, Trade and Investment portfolio, promoting Western Australia as a place to do business, work and visit.
Minister David Michael will oversee key economic changes in the State Development portfolio, while Minister Daniel Pastorelli picks up the Mines, Petroleum and Exploration reins, in addition to Water.
The Corrective Services portfolio will be headed by Attorney-General Tony Buti, while Reece Whitby takes on Emergency Services in addition to his current Police portfolio.
Road Safety and Multicultural Interests will be taken over by Minister Jessica Stojkovski, while Meredit Hammat, currently in charge of Health and Mental Health, will also take on Preventative Health, leading the push to reach immunisation targets.
Don Punch will take on Racing and Gaming, while Minister Matthew Swinbourn, who holds the Environment portfolio, will also take on Climate Resilience.
Some ministerial swearing-in ceremonies have already taken place, while more, including Parliamentary Secretary arrangements, will be held in the coming weeks.
“In times like these, we need steady and experienced leadership, and my government is the safe pair of hands who will always put WA first,” Mr Cook said.
“The portfolios I’ve announced today deliver a strong economic team that will ensure we can seize the many opportunities in front of us and withstand current and future global challenges.”
