“Hannah Beazley will be a welcome addition to the Ministry, bringing new energy and perspectives to the Cabinet,” said WA Premier Roger Cook. Photo: Twitter/@RogerCookMLA.
In preparation for Western Australia’s 2025 state election, Premier Roger Cook has sworn in a new Cabinet team. One notable shift is Victoria Park MLA Hannah Beazley replacing the now-resigned Bill Johnston, fulfilling the long political legacy of her two grandfathers and father Kim Beazley, the former Labor Party Leader.
On 8 December the new Ministers were sworn in with the portfolios previously held by Mr Johnston being shared among the more experienced Cabinet team members.
Following her service as Parliamentary Secretary over the year prior, Ms Beazley is bringing her experience in the Government, private and non-profit sectors to Cabinet for the first time. She is now handling the Local Government and Youth portfolios, and assisting the Minister for Training and Workforce Development.
Cockburn MLA David Scaife will replace Ms Beazley as Parliamentary Secretary to Minister John Carey.
Premier Roger Cook said he’s proud to lead a stable, highly capable and experienced team that can deliver on what matters to WA.
“These changes elevate Ministers Whitby and Michael within our economic team, to turn WA into a clean energy powerhouse and to make more things here in WA,” he said.
“We’ll continue to deliver on our plan to tackle cost of living pressures, build more homes, invest in our health system and set up WA’s economy for a strong future.”
Photo: Twitter/@RogerCookMLA.
Minister for Environment and Climate Action Reece Whitby now has Energy amongst his portfolios, a move to show the state government’s commitment to new energy industries.
Premier Cook is supporting this effort by taking on responsibility for the Hydrogen Industry, lumping it in with his State and Industry Development, and Jobs and Trade portfolios.
David Michael MLA has embraced Mines and Petroleum on top of his existing responsibilities for WA’s ports. Industrial Relations has been passed to Minister Simone McGurk, who will oversee WA’s work health and safety regime and lead negotiations under the public sector wages policy.
Meanwhile, Minister Paul Papalia has regained his previously held Racing and Gaming portfolios in 2017 to 2021, when he was responsible for developing the Banned Drinkers Register.
