The 31st Premier: Mid West politicians react as Roger Cook becomes new State leader

Local Labor MPs say Roger Cook, who was sworn in as WA’s 31st Premier on Thursday, will lead a stable and ready-to-listen government, which won’t forget about regional communities. WA’s new Premier and slightly altered Cabinet came after Mark McGowan’s sudden resignation last week flipped the script in State politics. Mr Cook officially took on the top role when caucus voted him as leader on June 6, with Rita Saffioti becoming Deputy Premier. The new-look Cabinet was revealed on Wednesday, with very few changes and Balcatta MLA David Michael the only new addition as he took on ports, local government and road safety portfolios. Police Minister Paul Papalia was handled the troubled corrective services portfolio, taken off Energy Minister Bill Johnston, who added hydrogen industries to his responsibilities, previously held by Mr Cook. Geraldton MLA Lara Dalton said it gave her confidence that both the Premier and Deputy Premier had been involved in major projects in the region prior to taking on their new roles. Mr Cook was previously involved in green hydrogen projects in Oakajee and Arrowsmith as hydrogen industry minister, and Ms Saffioti oversaw the beginning of the Geraldton Port Maximisation Project as ports minister. “Roger Cook and Rita Saffioti lead an experienced team, with energy to deliver a stable and responsible Government for Western Australians,” she said. Labor Agricultural Region MLC Sandra Carr said Mr McGowan had been a “steadfast, disciplined, and decisive” leader, and said WA will have two intelligent, hardworking leaders in Mr Cook and Ms Saffioti. “Roger is decisive, willing to listen, and is committed to seeing WA transition to renewables and embrace new industries and emerging opportunities,” Ms Carr said. “He has also been active in supporting and creating development opportunities across regional WA, so his commitment to the regions is well-evidenced.” Opposition Leader and Moore MLA Shane Love attacked Mr Cook for not making more changes to his Cabinet, in particular going after Mr Johnston, who had corrective services taken off him, but remained in Cabinet. “Homes across the Mid West know better than anyone, this minster has failed to keep the lights on,” Mr Love said. “Premier Cook has said he’d like Minster Johnston to focus on the energy transition — we’d like to see them focus on delivering the basics — regional communities deserve that at least. “Ultimately, the lack of renewal in this reshuffled Cabinet shows little promise for the communities in the Mid West.”