Roger Cook to move closer to Perth to beat Kwinana freeway traffic
Self-described ‘Kwinana Dad’ Prime Minister Roger Cook is estranged from his electorate due to the long commute from his home to the CBD.
In a message to Kwinana Labor Party members on Saturday afternoon, Cook said he approached Parliament House in West Perth from his home in Wellard with his wife, Carly Lane, and blamed the time he spent in the car on the Kwinana Highway.
“As you know, I’m committed to being Prime Minister after the next election. I think it’s important for the Labor Party. I think it’s important for the state, too,” he said.
“To do my job with the energy and determination I believe it deserves, I need to spend more time in the community and less time traveling in the car.
“Carly and I have made the difficult decision to move to the city… so we can dedicate ourselves 100 percent to the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.”
The Kwinana Highway is one of the most congested roads in the state at peak hours, reducing it to two lanes, particularly south of Russell Road.
Construction on the $700 million expansion of the highway is expected to begin later this year.
The upgrade will include a new lane in each direction between Russell Road and Mortimer Road, as well as new ramp signals on the north side of the highway between Safety Bay Road and the Roe Highway to “ease traffic flow on the highway at peak times”.
Cook said the Wellards still own their home and will be renting it out.
“I look forward to continuing to work with you to provide the people of Kwinana with the best possible representation,” he said.
“By the way, my [electorate officer] “My team and I will maintain our profile and work hard to continue serving our community.”
State MPs do not have to live in constituencies in Western Australia.
Cook leaned heavily on his Kwinana roots during the 2025 election campaign, often referring to himself as a “Kwinana dad” at public events and on social media.
Cook’s predecessor, Mark McGowan, hit the headlines when he moved out of his Rockingham beach house.
McGowan was told by authorities to leave her well-known home due to safety concerns during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Hamish Hastie is WAtoday’s state political correspondent and the winner of five WA Media Awards, including the 2023 Beck Award for best political journalism.Connect with: X or email.
