WA: New minister responsible for embattled Banksia Hill detention centre

The corrective services portfolio has changed hands in Roger Cook’s new cabinet due to be sworn in on Thursday.

Incoming Western Australian premier Roger Cook has handed the problematic corrective services portfolio to a different minister in a cabinet reshuffle.

The changes to the 31st WA premier’s cabinet, announced on Wednesday morning, were relatively minor.

A major change is stripping Bill Johnston of corrective services, giving it to Paul Papalia, who will also retain his portfolios of police, Defence industry, and veterans issues that he held under former premier Mark McGowan.

Incoming WA premier Roger Cook has announced his new cabinet. Picture: NCA NewsWire /Philip Gostelow

It means Mr Papalia will now be responsible for the Banksia Hill Juvenile Detention Centre – a youth correctional facility plagued by a series of detainee riots that have badly damaged infrastructure and chronic staff shortages.

Mr Johnston will instead be responsible for the hydrogen industry, which will complement his existing responsibilities in mines and petroleum, as well as energy and industrial relations.

Damage in the education wing of Banksia Hill Detention Centre sustained during a riot on New Year’s Day.

The New Year’s riot was the first of a number of incidents since the start of 2023.

Mr Cook will be responsible for state and industry development, jobs and trade, public sector management, and federal-state relations.

His deputy, Rita Saffioti, will be treasurer and tourism minister and has kept her transport portfolio.

However, her responsibility for planning will go to Housing and Homelessness Minister John Carey, whose local government portfolio will go to new cabinet member David Michael.

Amber-Jade Sanderson, who made a failed tilt at the Premier’s position, retains her health and mental health portfolios.

The new deputy premier Rita Saffioti will also be treasurer and tourism minister. Picture: NCA NewsWire /Philip Gostelow

Announcing the changes on Wednesday, Mr Cook said his “refreshed” team was ready to show “stability, unity, and energy”.

“It is a team that has a shared vision and a common goal to always stand up and serve the people of Western Australia on cost of living pressures, health, housing, job opportunities that come from diversifying our economy, (and) keeping up the fight for our fair share of the GST,” he said.

The new premier and his cabinet will be officially sworn in at a ceremony on Thursday.

Originally published as WA: New minister responsible for embattled Banksia Hill detention centre