Premier Mark McGowan today announced changes within his Cabinet to readjust the balance of responsibilities for Ministers and refocus the Government’s agenda as Western Australia enters the next phase of the COVID-19 pandemic.
After 13 years in the Health portfolio across Opposition and Government, Deputy Premier Roger Cook will pass the Health portfolio to Amber-Jade Sanderson and focus his efforts on diversifying the WA economy by adding Tourism and Commerce to his economic portfolio.
As the new Health Minister, Ms Sanderson will also take on Mental Health responsibilities.
After delivering important reforms in his portfolios, Stephen Dawson will become the Minister for Emergency Services, Innovation and ICT, Medical Research and Volunteering.
David Templeman will gain the important International Education portfolio, which is a significant element of the Reconnect WA plan, and take on Sport and Recreation.
John Carey will add ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾lessness to his Housing and Local Government responsibilities, in addition to now overseeing the Lands portfolio.
Tony Buti will continue to drive the Finance portfolio and gain Racing and Gaming, along with Aboriginal Affairs.
Reece Whitby will take on the important Environment and Climate Action portfolios.
Don Punch will add Small Business to his responsibilities and Bill Johnston will return as Industrial Relations Minister.
As stated by Premier Mark McGowan:
“My team always strives to lead a reasonable, responsible and stable Government, and that will continue, with these changes only further highlighting the strength of the Cabinet.
“The Deputy Premier has been a calm and steady hand as Health Minister, particularly throughout the pandemic, and as WA embarks on our Safe Transition Plan now is the right time for change.
“Minister Sanderson is ready to take on the responsibility and help deliver ongoing improvements to our hospital and health services.
“These portfolio changes are about getting the balance right across the Cabinet and sharpening the Government’s agenda as we enter the next phase of the pandemic.
“The adjustments will help ensure we continue to keep WA safe and strong, by driving economic growth, diversifying our economy across a range of important industries and protect our beautiful, natural environment.”
Hon Mark McGowan MLA
Premier; Treasurer; Public Sector Management; Federal-State Relations
Hon Roger Cook MLA
Deputy Premier; Minister for State Development, Jobs and Trade; Tourism; Commerce; Science
Hon Sue Ellery MLC
Education and Training
Hon Stephen Dawson MLC
Emergency Services; Innovation and ICT; Medical Research; Volunteering
Hon Alannah MacTiernan MLC
Regional Development; Agriculture and Food; Hydrogen Industry
Hon David Templeman MLA
Culture and the Arts; Sport and Recreation; International Education; Heritage;
Leader of the House
Hon John Quigley MLA
Attorney General; Electoral Affairs
Hon Paul Papalia MLA
Police; Road Safety; Defence Industry; Veterans Issues
Hon Bill Johnston MLA
Mines and Petroleum; Energy; Corrective Services; Industrial Relations
Hon Rita Saffioti MLA
Transport; Planning; Ports
Hon Tony Buti MLA
Finance; Racing and Gaming; Aboriginal Affairs; Citizenship and Multicultural Interests
Hon Simone McGurk MLA
Child Protection; Women’s Interests; Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence; Community Services
Hon Dave Kelly MLA
Water; Forestry; Youth
Hon Amber-Jade Sanderson MLA
Health; Mental Health
Hon John Carey MLA
Housing; Lands; ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾lessness; Local Government
Hon Don Punch MLA
Disability Services; Fisheries; Seniors and Ageing; Small Business
Hon Reece Whitby MLA
Environment; Climate Action
