Western Australia is expected to have at least three MPs in the ministry, whichever side of politics wins the Federal election.
On the Coalition side, three Liberal Party MPs already hold ministerial positions and it is possible they could take more senior roles, especially if Peter Costello succeeds John Howard mid-term.
Senator Chris Ellison presently holds the portfolio of justice and customs, Senator Ian Campbell is Minister for Environment and Heritage and Curtin MP Julie Bishop is the Minister for Ageing.
Tangney MP Darryl Williams, who retires on polling day, had been the most senior Western Australian MP in the Government, having held the portfolios of communications and Attorney-General.
On the Labor side, Stephen Smith has been immigration spokesman since 2003.
Previously he had responsibility for key policy areas of health, communications, resources and energy and trade.
His career progress suffered a setback when he backed former leader Kim Beazley against current leader Mark Latham, and he temporarily stepped down from the shadow ministry.
However, Mr Smith is now back in the fold, as is Mr Beazley, who was appointed defence spokesman in August this year.
Other Western Australians featuring on the Labor side include Senator Chris Evans, who stepped aside from the senior defence role to make way for the return of Mr Beazley, but remains spokesman for defence procurement, science and personnel. A fourth Western Australian in the shadow ministry is Senator Mark Bishop, who has been responsible for veterans’ affairs and customs.