Carpenter the state’s new premier

Alan Carpenter will be sworn in as Western Australia’s next premier on Wednesday, ending speculation as to who would succeed Dr Geoff Gallop in the state’s top job.The 49-year-old was elected unopposed as parliamentary leader of the Labor Party and said he would retain a key role in the state development portfolio and indicated tax cuts were on the agenda. Mr Carpenter said the economic development of the state was something the premier had to be directly involved with and the dual role fulfilled that need.Mr Carpenter said that he had a good relationship with the WA business community, saying: “My basic philosophy is that we need a good strong economy, therefore we need good strong businesses, otherwise, everything else that Labor governments want can’t be done.”The premier also confirmed Eric Ripper would remain in the Treasurer’s role.The Labor Party caucus is scheduled to meet again next week to discuss ministerial positions, after which Mr Carpenter is expected to allocate portfolios.