West Australian Premier reveals new look cabinet following election bloodbath, taking on the treasury role himself

WA Premier Mark McGowan has made an odd decision after his thumping victory in the state election — and it has everything to do with the eastern states.

West Australian Premier Mark McGowan has made the unusual decision to do double duty in his new government, adding treasurer to his already huge responsibilities.

The wildly popular leader unveiled his new-look cabinet on Thursday, making himself treasurer despite having at least 52 members of parliament to choose from for the role.

Mr McGowan had refused to answer repeated questions about whether he would take on the treasury portfolio — which was vacated by Ben Wyatt — before the state election, saying he did not want to pre-empt the outcome.

On Thursday, he revealed one of the major reasons he wanted to take on the job was because he expected WA would soon be facing a renewed GST battle with other states.

“There is a groundswell of effort among the states in the east to unravel the GST deal and that groundswell is growing every single day,” he told reporters.

WA Premier Mark McGowan says other states are ‘mobilising’ to convince Prime Minister Scott Morrison to change the GST deal. Picture: AAP Image/Paul Braven

“Having the premier who can take these issues up at the national cabinet and make sure at the highest levels we fight off any changes to the GST deal is very important.”

Asked if there had been any indication that Prime Minister Scott Morrison was considering a change to the GST deal, Mr McGowan said: “No, but I do know that the other states are mobilising.

“If every state premier is causing hell — bar the West Australian premier — for the federal government, who knows what would happen?

“I just think it’s very important we protect what we’ve secured.

“It was wise to elevate treasury to the premier’s role to fight off those efforts.”

Mr McGowan also noted some past and present premiers across the country had taken on the role of treasurer before him.

Premier Mark McGowan has revealed his new look cabinet. Picture: Colin Murty/The Australian

Mr McGowan said although there had been much speculation about him taking on the treasurer role in the past three months, he only finalised his decision “over the course of the last week”.

Aside from the GST issue, Mr McGowan said he had worked very closely with Mr Wyatt, who he described as an outstanding treasurer.

“I have a natural interest in treasury matters and making sure we manage the state’s finances well,” Mr McGowan said.

The Premier added that although Health Minister Roger Cook was also “a very worthy person for that role”, it was not the right time for him to take on the responsibility.

“We’re still in the pandemic, we’re still rolling out vaccines, there’s still mass deaths occurring around the world (and) there’s still the prospect of the virus coming in,” Mr McGowan said.

“Changing health ministers in that environment, I didn’t think was wise.”

Deputy Premier Roger Cook will remain Health Minister during the pandemic. Picture: Will Russell/Getty Images

Mr Cook will remain Deputy Premier and will also hold the portfolios of medical research, state development, jobs and trade, and science.

Asked if Mr Cook could be handed the treasury portfolio down the track, Mr McGowan said nothing was permanent and there could be a reshuffle in a year or two.

Rita Saffioti, who was also considered for the treasury role, already had a “large portfolio load” and would add ports to transport and planning, Mr McGowan said.

Other changes include Stephen Dawson becoming the minister for mental heath, Aboriginal affairs and industrial relations, while Paul Papalia will take on the portfolio of police, as well as road safety, defence industry and veterans issues.

Transport Minister Rita Saffioti was also considered for the treasurer role, but Premier Mark McGowan said her portfolio load was already big. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Tony McDonough

Mr McGowan said it was great to have some renewal in the cabinet.

“I’m very pleased to see some new people get the opportunity,” he said.

“The focus, of course, will continue to be managing the economy, creating jobs (and) making sure the pandemic is managed extremely well.”

The Premier praised his team, describing them as “very talented people”.

“I can’t think of … a more talented, diverse group of people with a range of skills and enthusiasm to serve in a state cabinet,” he said.

“I’m very, very fortunate to have this group of people and I think they’ll do a terrific job, and certainly the enthusiasm and the desire to work hard was palpable yesterday at the caucus meeting.”

In the state election wipe-out last weekend, Labor snatched many blue-ribbon seats from the Liberals.

Labor currently has 52 seats, while the Liberals have been reduced to just two.

Churchlands, which was previously a Liberal seat, still hangs in the balance.

Originally published as West Australian Premier reveals new look cabinet following election bloodbath, taking on the treasury role himself