Morton joins Harry Perkins board

Former federal minister Ben Morton has added another board role to his portfolio, joining the Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research (Perkins), in the QEII Medical Centre in Nedlands.

Mr Morton started in the new role yesterday.

“Sadly, every family has been touched by diseases like cancer, heart disease, diabetes and other rare genetic diseases,” Mr Morton said.

“The team at Perkins is committed to finding solutions and overcoming these diseases. I’m committed to doing all I can to support them as a director of the institute.

“I dedicate my efforts to the Perkins in memory of my mother, Linda Morton, who passed away from cancer in 2015.”

Mr Morton was the Federal member for Tangney from 2016 until 2022, and was assistant minister to the prime minister and cabinet in the Morrison government.

After politics, Mr Morton joined the board of Insurance Commission of Western Australia.

He was also appointed to the state government’s Southern Ports Authority Board for a two-year term, which started in January 2023.

During his time in parliament, Mr Morton advocated for and secured a $375 million federal government contribution towards a standalone WA Comprehensive Cancer centre.

“Mr Morton is a fine strategic thinker whose skills and experience will not only benefit the delivery of the Perkins strategy but will assist with Perkins’ major initiative of delivering a comprehensive cancer centre for WA,” Harry Perkins Institute chair John Barrington said.