Incoming WA Premier Roger Cook confident his new cabinet will bring ‘energy’ and ‘stability’ to the leadership team

Mar 17, 2023

Incoming Western Australian Premier Roger Cook says his new cabinet is a team that is "united, experienced, hungry and hardworking".

Rita Saffioti will take on Mark McGowan's former role as the Treasurer of Western Australia.

The incoming Deputy Premier will also add the Tourism portfolio to her current role as the Transport Minister.

Ms Saffioti was asked by a reporter whether she was confident she could manage the workload - after seeing the former Premier and self-appointed Treasurer Mark McGowan resign due to burnout.

"I'm very confident, extremely confident to be able to manage it all," she told reporters on Wednesday.

"As I've said, I've proven myself over the past six years to be able to manage very high workloads, very significant projects and I will continue to give 100 per cent to the delivery of what is an exciting agenda across my portfolio."

Incoming Premier Roger Cook is confident the Budget will be in safe hands "having worked closely" with Ms Saffioti through the Budget Committee process over the last six years.

"And I want to add - if anyone over east is thinking they can try to take away WA's fair share of the GST, you'll need to get past the two of us first," he said.

Mr Cook will hold the roles of Minister for State and Industry Development, Jobs and Trade, Public Sector Management and Federal-State Relations, in addition to his responsibilities as Premier.

"Jobs and trade is incredibly critical to strengthening our economy and therefore I will continue to engage with our trade partners and key markets particularly in Asia," he said.

Bill Johnston has been stripped of his Corrective Services Minister portfolio.

The role has been responsible for the dysfunctional Banksia Hill Detention Centre - which has made headlines for riots over the past year.

The Corrective Services Minister portfolio will now be handed over to Paul Papalia, who will maintain his position as the Minister for Police, Corrective Services, Defence Industry and Veterans Issues.

John Carey will add Planning to his portfolio as Housing, Lands and Homelessness Minister.

Amber-Jade Sanderson will remain Minister for Health and Mental Health.

David Michael, the new cabinet member, has been appointed Minister for Ports; Local Government; Road Safety and Minister assisting the Minister for Transport.

Mr Cook added he is looking forward to leading an "economically strong and socially progressive" government.

"It is a team that is united, experienced, hungry and hardworking," he said.

Roger Cook and Rita Saffioti will be sworn in as the new Premier and Deputy Premier by Governor Chris Dawson on Thursday.

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