Premier Mark McGowan has announced a major cabinet reshuffle this morning, with Amber-Jade Sanderson set to replace Roger Cook as Health Minister.
Premier Mark McGowan has announced a major cabinet reshuffle this morning, with Amber-Jade Sanderson set to replace Roger Cook as Health Minister.
During a press conference this morning, Mr McGowan confirmed no ministers would be leaving the cabinet, but that there would be significant changes to the portfolios held.
Mr McGowan will retain his roles as Premier, Treasurer, and Minister for Public Sector Management and Federal and State Relations.
Mr Cook, who serves as deputy premier, will continue to hold the State Development, Jobs and Trade and Science and will pick up Commerce and Tourism.
But after 13 years in the Health portfolio, both in opposition and in government, Mr Cook will hand over the reins to Ms Sanderson, who will also gain the Mental Health portfolio.
The move comes just seven weeks before Western Australia is set to reopen its borders and follows criticism over the state of WA's healthcare system.
Reece Whitby will relinquish Racing and Gaming and hand the portfolio to Tony Buti, who lost Sport and Recreation but gained Aboriginal Affairs from Stephen Dawson.
Mr Whitby will pick up Environment and Climate Action, while David Templeman will gain International Education, a new portfolio created ahead of the state reopening to the rest of the world in February.
Mr Templeman will also gain Sport and Recreation.
Homelessness has become a standalone portfolio, one that will be handed to John Carey.
Mr Carey will remain Housing and Local Government Minister, but will also gain Lands, while Don Punch will add Small Business to his list of responsibility.
Meanwhile, Bill Johnston will return to the role of Industrial Relations Minister, as well as holding the Mines and Petroleum, Energy and Corrective Services portfolios.
In addressing the reshuffle, Mr McGowan said the state government would need to redirect its focus as it prepares to reopen its borders.
“Often, at the end of the year there are reshuffles of cabinet,” Mr McGowan said.
“Over the past five years, we’ve had a remarkably strong and stable team with few changes.
“As we come out of our border arrangements on February 5, we will need to focus our attention on certain aspects of the economy, including Tourism.
“We want to make sure that we lead Australia economically.”
Ms Sanderson entered politics in 2013, after being elected Member for the East Metropolitan Region, and gained a spot in the government ministry following Labor’s landslide election win in March.
The Member for Morley, who served as a media advisor for federal MP Carmen Lawrence and assistant state secretary of the United Workers Union, is credited with having played a crucial role in the development and passage of the Voluntary Assisted Dying legislation.
McGowan Cabinet
Mark McGowan MLA: Premier; Treasurer; Public Sector Management; Federal-State Relations
Roger Cook MLA: Deputy Premier; Minister for State Development, Jobs and Trade; Tourism; Commerce; Science
Sue Ellery MLC: Education and Training
Stephen Dawson MLC: Emergency Services; Innovation and ICT; Medical Research; Volunteering
Alannah MacTiernan MLC: Regional Development; Agriculture and Food; Hydrogen Industry
David Templeman MLA: Culture and the Arts; Sport and Recreation; International Education; Heritage; Leader of the House
John Quigley MLA: Attorney General; Electoral Affairs
Paul Papalia MLA: Police; Road Safety; Defence Industry; Veterans Issues
Bill Johnston MLA: Mines and Petroleum; Energy; Corrective Services; Industrial Relations
Rita Saffioti MLA: Transport; Planning; Ports
Tony Buti MLA: Finance; Racing and Gaming; Aboriginal Affairs; Citizenship and Multicultural Interests
Simone McGurk MLA: Child Protection; Women’s Interests; Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence; Community Services
Dave Kelly MLA: Water; Forestry; Youth
Amber-Jade Sanderson MLA: Health; Mental Health
John Carey MLA: Housing; Lands; Homelessness; Local Government
Don Punch MLA: Disability Services; Fisheries; Seniors and Ageing; Small Business
Reece Whitby MLA: Environment; Climate Action