Barrister Joseph McGrath has today been appointed as the state's new top prosecutor, taking over from Robert Cock as director of public prosecutions.
The widely expected appointment has been approved by state cabinet and the Western Australian governor.
Mr McGrath was previously with Francis Burt Chambers and has been part of the royal commissions into the finance broking industry and the WA police force.
He also has defence counsel experience in a range of areas including insider trading, market manipulation and other fraud matters.
Mr McGrath told reporters today that his immediate intention was to ensure was a proper retention of staff, motivation of staff and staff development.
He also said that he would take any concerns straight to Attorney General Christian Porter, rather than announcing them to the public.
"It is not the role of the DPP to be the proponent of the current government's policy nor is to be the contradictor of the current government's policy,"
"I will resist making public statements about current policies.
"I will articulate to the Attorney General my views of law reform and policy."
Mr McGrath will start his DPP role on February 1.
Mr Cock stepped aside from the DPP role in July last year after 10 years to take a new role as special counsel to the state government. Crown prosecutor Bruno Fiannaca was acting DPP for the past six months.
