Key portfolios including mines and petroleum, energy, training, environment, commerce and small business have new ministers after re-elected premier Colin Barnett announced the appointment of five new ministers in a broad cabinet reshuffle today.
Riverton MLA Mike Nahan is one of the big winners, taking the portfolios of energy and finance, as well as citizenship and multicultural interests, while Bill Marmion moves from environment to two new roles, as minister for mines and petroleum, and housing.
Ocean Reef MLA Albert Jacob, who at 33 is one of the youngest members of state parliament, has been handed the environment and heritage portfolios.
Police minister Liza Harvey will add small business and women's interests to her role, while attorney general Michael Mischin will also become minister for commerce.
The Nationals have retained three ministers, but in a historic change the agriculture portfolio has been handed to Liberal MP Ken Baston.
Former agriculture minister Terry Redman has taken responsibility for training and workforce development, and water, as well as his existing portfolio of forestry.
Other changes will see the premier add science to his state development portfolio.
He added that he would work “more broadly across a range of portfolios” saying this would allow him to share the benefits of his experience.
Mr Barnett characterised the changes as “very much a new cabinet and ministry for a new government in its second term”.
As expected, five former ministers have been left out: Norman Moore has retired, John Castrilli asked not to be considered for a ministry, and Simon O’Brien, Robyn McSweeney and Murray Cowper have been dumped, though Mr Barnett preferred not to use that phrase.
“I don’t like the term dumped, this is a change in the composition of the government,” he said.
Mr Barnett said the selection was based on “performance, the mix of skills, and wanting movement” in the ministry.
“I’m trying to change the philosophy of appointing ministers,” he said, indicating that more changes may occur in future.
Mr Barnett said Mr Moore had done "outstanding work" and praised Ms McSweeney for her devotion to child protection.
He said Mr O'Brien who had been a "true team player".
"He was very gracious in the decision that was made," Mr Barnett told reporters.
Mr Barnett said Mr Cowper was "very unlucky".
"I can understand that Murray would be disappointed," he said.
Key ministers who have retained portfolios include deputy premier Kim Hames in health and tourism, Nationals leader Brendon Grylls in regional development and lands, Troy Buswell in treasury and transport (with fisheries added to his workload) and John Day in planning and culture & the arts.
Terry Waldron will continue in his role as minister for sport and recreation, and racing and gaming.
The premier has also announced the appointment of eight parliamentary secretaries - Donna Faragher, John McGrath, Alyssa Hayden, Jim Chown, Paul Miles, Andrea Mitchell, Mia Davies and Colin Holt.
Michael Sutherland will be nominated for speaker of the legislative assembly, a role coveted by former police minister Rob Johnson.
The new cabinet will be sworn in by Governor Malcolm McCusker tomorrow.
