‘Get back to your jobs’: new WA leader’s bold message to MPs

Roger Cook issued a message to his fellow MPs as he was confirmed as Western Australia’s 31st leader on Tuesday.

Roger Cook has told his fellow MPs to “get back to your jobs” following his confirmation as Western Australia’s 31st leader.

The WA Labor caucus met on Tuesday morning to formalise Mr Cook as Mark McGowan’s replacement.

Incoming WA Premier Roger Cook speaking to the media after a WA Labor Caucus meeting on Tuesday. Picture: NCA NewsWire /Philip Gostelow

Speaking at a media conference after the meeting on Tuesday, Mr Cook said while MPs were shocked by Mr McGowan’s resignation last week, now was the time to “provide stable government”.

“The message today is it’s just time to get back down to hard work,” Mr Cook said.

“This will be a government of confidence and renewed focus.

“It’s an exciting period in our state’s history, and I’m humbled and honoured to serve as premier of this state.”

Mr Cook also used the opportunity to pay tribute to Mr McGowan.

“Mark has played an outstanding, historically unprecedented role … he’s taken us from a period of time of great uncertainty through Covid, provided strength of leadership, and has overseen the strongest economy in the nation.”

Rita Saffioti was also confirmed as Deputy Premier in Tuesday’s meeting. Picture: NCA NewsWire /Philip Gostelow

Transport Minister Rita Saffioti was also on Tuesday confirmed as Mr Cook’s deputy.

“It is a humbling experience and one which really makes you appreciate the role that you have and the support you have,” Ms Saffioti said.

There’s speculation Ms Saffioti will also be named treasurer. Mr Cook wouldn’t be drawn on new ministerial arrangements but noted it was not unusual for the treasurer to be responsible for multiple portfolios.

He said new portfolio arrangements would be announced on Wednesday.

Mr Cook, Ms Saffioti, and the new cabinet will all be sworn in at a ceremony on Thursday. Picture: NCA NewsWire /Philip Gostelow

Mr Cook also outlined one of his key tasks as being the “diversification and decarbonisation” of the state’s economy.

“I believe it’s one of our key economic challenges, and it’s obviously one about which I care very deeply” Mr Cook said.

“I’m determined to continue to sit in the wheelhouse, on the bridge of the state’s economy to make sure that we move through that transition.”

WA’s next premier Roger Cook said it was an ‘exciting period in our state’s history’. Picture: NCA NewsWire /Philip Gostelow

Former City of Stirling councillor and cabinet secretary David Michael will also enter cabinet, while Kimberley MP Divina D’Anna has been elevated to parliamentary secretary.

“I think (Ms D’Anna) will make a great contribution to our work, getting the message out there that the McGowan government is back on the job … well, the new Labor government is back on the job,” Mr Cook said, correcting himself, clearly still getting used to the idea of leading a Cook government.

The new premier, deputy, and cabinet ministers will be officially sworn in to their new roles at a ceremony on Thursday.

The meeting formalises Mr Cook as the replacement for Mr McGowan, who stood down as premier due to burnout.

Originally published as ‘Get back to your jobs’: new WA leader’s bold message to MPs