Western Australia’s health portfolio has been split in two and regional ministers have been introduced to premier Roger Cook’s inaugural third-term cabinet.
Amber-Jade Sanderson was the biggest mover in sweeping ministerial changes announced on Tuesday, shedding health in favour of energy
Those roles will see the leadership aspirant take charge of the state government’s flagship Made in WA election commitment to boost domestic manufacturing capacity.
Mr Cook named Ms Sanderson, Treasurer Rita Saffioti, Regional Development Minister Stephen Dawson, Mines Minister David Michael, and Housing Minister John Carey as the “senior ministers” of his team who he expected to “deliver for the government”.
Another major mover was Housing, Planning and Lands Minister John Carey, who has picked up health infrastructure, which will drive delivery of construction projects such as the women’s and babies hospital.
Newly-minted minister Meredith Hammat picked up the health portfolio, which is now focused on service delivery issues such as ambulance ramping and bed provision.
Mr Cook said splitting the portfolio would enable Mr Carey to get the government’s health infrastructure mandate rolling, while Ms Hammat could focus on the frontline.
“We know he’s been very effective in taking on the challenges of housing, and we are now starting to see small shoots of success, particularly in relation to the availability of housing stock, so we think he’s the one to get the get the process moving,” he said.
“When I took on health it was my first responsibility in the cabinet as well.
“[Meredith] is an incredibly effective member of parliament, she has been a great parliamentary secretary, and I think she has the energy, the intellectual clout and the discipline to take on those challenges.”
Tony Buti has been named John Quigley’s replacement as attorney-general, and senior upper house minister Stephen Dawson has picked up regional development and ports from Don Punch.
Mr Punch has traded those roles for the tricky Aboriginal affairs and water portfolios, as well as climate resilience.
One of the biggest changes to the ministry is the addition of regional ministers, a move Mr Cook said had been a long time coming.
Mr Dawson will take responsibility for the Kimberley and Mr Punch the South West – regions both have houses in.
Jackie Jarvis will be minister for the Mid West, Ms Sanderson minister for the Pilbara, Sabine Winton minister for the Wheatbelt, David Michael for the Goldfields, Hannah Beazley the Gascoyne, Jessica Stojkovski for Peel, and Reece Whitby for Great Southern.
None of the above live in those respective regions, though, Ms Jarvis is a regional resident.
Mr Cook said regional residents would understand the need to have experienced ministers, rather than local MPs, at the helm.
He has also has flagged changes to the structure of government and its departments to fit in with the new ministry in coming weeks.
