Premier takes on fresh jobs in defence powerhouse push
Western Australia’s premier has added a significant portfolio to his responsibilities as he claims the mining state’s future is a defense industrial powerhouse.
Roger Cook announced on Sunday that he would add the defense industry ministry to his duties as leader of the Labor government, after the resignation of a frontbencher triggered an upcoming by-election.
In a sudden press conference, Mr Cook said his priority was to diversify the economy in Australia’s richest state, which accounts for about 17 per cent of the country’s GDP.
He said he wanted to lead the development of the largest marine maintenance and shipbuilding center in the southern hemisphere, to be developed in WA.
“We expect the defense sector to be our second largest industry in Western Australia,” Mr Cook told reporters.
“It is also one of the important outward-facing portfolios that relates to how we position ourselves and our reputation by working with our allies and trading partners.”
The state is undergoing a number of major offshore expansion projects, including the development of a major state-owned defense zone at Henderson, south of Perth.
The second site, on nearby Garden Island, will host a rotating force of UK and US nuclear-powered submarines before Australia begins operating its fleet.
Mr Cook has also appointed him to a new tourism, trade and investment portfolio that will help promote WA internationally.
The ministerial reshuffle follows the retirement of then-corrective services minister Paul Papalia, leading to an upcoming by-election in his south Perth headquarters, Secret Harbor.
Mr Cook acknowledged Labor would have to work hard to retain its safe seat, where it faces challenges from the Liberals and a resurgent One Nation.
Deputy Prime Minister Rita Saffioti will take on an expanded role that includes responsibility for the existing transport and major infrastructure ministries, as well as common user infrastructure supporting the defense industry.
First-term MP Daniel Pastorelli, a former private secretary to popular prime minister Mark McGowan, will take on responsibilities for the gilded portfolios of minerals, oil and exploration, as well as water.
Mr Cook dismissed concerns about Mr Pastorelli’s rapid rise, saying he had enough experience to run key departments.
Mr Cook dismissed suggestions that Prime Minister Anthony Albanese would not be welcome in Secret Harbour, describing him as a “very popular politician” while downplaying the possibility of the federal Labor leader joining the campaign.
“This is a by-election for the state seat; Albo is always welcome to come to Western Australia,” he said.
David Mitchell will add state development to his ministries, Attorney General Tony Buti will take on Papalia’s corrective services brief and Reece Whitby will add emergency services.
Georgia Tree, a former political staffer of Federal Resources Minister Madeleine King, has been announced as the Labor Party candidate in the 29 August by-election.
