WA Premier Roger Cook Shuffles Cabinet, Takes Defence and Tourism Portfolios

WA Premier Roger Cook will take on the defence industries and tourism portfolios in a cabinet reshuffle, following the departure of longstanding minister Paul Papalia.

Before his resignation, Mr Papalia was responsible for emergency services, corrective services, defence industries, veterans, and racing and gaming.

Part of the defence portfolio includes leading the state's responsibilities in the AUKUS agreement between Australia, the United States and the United Kingdom.

As part of AUKUS, WA is set to have a rotational presence of conventionally armed and nuclear-powered submarines. Developments of the Henderson Defence Precinct and HMAS Stirling naval base are underway.

Amber-Jade Sanderson will support the premier as assistant minister for defence industries, and Deputy Premier Rita Saffioti will add major infrastructure to her transport portfolio.

Mr Cook has added a new tourism, trade and investment portfolio, to "promote Western Australia as the best place to work, do business and visit on the international stage" and handed his state development responsibilities to Balcatta MP David Michael.

The state development portfolio has been subject to scrutiny over powers granted last year, which allow the responsible minister to approve projects considered to be of "strategic or economic significance".

New minister Daniel Pastorelli, who will take Mr Papalia's position in cabinet, has been assigned Mr Michael's mines and petroleum portfolio, as well as water.

Mr Pastorelli — dubbed a "boy wonder" — was elected to Parliament 16 months ago, and will ascend to Labor's cabinet following what is understood to have been a captain's call by the premier.

The corrective services portfolio will be taken on by Attorney-General Tony Buti, and Police Minister Reece Whitby will replace tourism with emergency services.

Minister for Local Government Hannah Beazley will take on the veterans portfolio, while racing and gaming has been assigned to Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Don Punch.