Western Australia’s Premier Roger Cook has announced a cabinet reshuffle, appointing first-time minister Meredith Hammat as the new Health Minister. The changes come after Labor’s resounding election victory, solidifying the party’s leadership in the state.
Cabinet Reshuffle Following Election Victory
WA Labor’s recent election success allowed the party to reassess its cabinet lineup. The close contest in Fremantle had delayed decisions, but with Labor securing the seat, the government proceeded with its reshuffle.
Premier Roger Cook addressed the Labor caucus, reinforcing the party’s mandate. “This is the room where Western Australia’s history has been crafted and where its future is now going to be forged,” Cook stated.
The caucus elected three new cabinet members: Meredith Hammat, Jessica Stojkovski, and Matthew Swinbourn. Cook then assigned their respective portfolios.
Figure 1: Premier Roger Cook with his three newly elected cabinet members
Meredith Hammat Takes Over Health Portfolio
Meredith Hammat, a former union leader, will lead WA’s health system. She previously served as parliamentary secretary to Education, Indigenous Affairs, and Multicultural Interests Minister Tony Buti since 2022.
Hammat worked with the Australian Services Union for 11 years before heading UnionsWA from 2012 to 2020. During her tenure, she opposed former Premier Mark McGowan’s public sector wage cap policy.
Figure 2: New cabinet member Merredith Hammat will take on the health portfolio.
Her commitment to workers’ rights shapes her approach to politics. “I want to be part of making sure that everyday people get what they need to live good lives,” she said in her inaugural speech.
Stojkovski Joins Cabinet After Years of Parliamentary Service
Kingsley MP Jessica Stojkovski steps into cabinet after serving as cabinet secretary since mid-2023.
Daughter of former MP Tony O’Gorman, she was elected in 2017 and pushed to lift the ban on breastfeeding in parliament.
“I actually put off running for parliament until I had my children because I knew it would be very difficult,” she said.
Previously a parliamentary secretary to Transport Minister Rita Saffioti and Housing Minister John Carey, she will now oversee child protection and the prevention of family and domestic violence.
Health Infrastructure Portfolio Introduced
Housing Minister John Carey will oversee a newly created health infrastructure portfolio. Premier Cook said the role would “drive the delivery of new capacity in our health system.”
This adjustment aims to distribute responsibilities, allowing Hammat to focus on core health services while Carey manages system expansion.
Amber-Jade Sanderson Moves to Energy and Decarbonisation
Former Health Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson will now oversee energy, decarbonisation, manufacturing, and skills, along with TAFE. Her shift aligns with the government’s focus on sustainable development.
Figure 4: Amber-Jade Sanderson is now the Minister for Energy and Decarbonisation
Matthew Swinbourn Takes on Homelessness and Environment
New cabinet member Matthew Swinbourn will lead homelessness, environment, and community services. This move signals a targeted approach to addressing social and environmental challenges.
John Carey, who previously managed homelessness, will now concentrate on housing and health infrastructure.
Changes in Law and Order Portfolios
Reece Whitby will take over as Police Minister, a crucial role in ensuring public safety across Western Australia. His responsibilities will include road safety and tourism, reflecting the government’s focus on maintaining law and order while promoting economic growth through tourism.
Whitby replaces Paul Papalia, who moves to emergency services. Papalia’s shift comes as WA strengthens its response strategies for natural disasters, bushfires, and other emergencies.
Figure 5: Reece Whitby (left) picks up Police from Paul Papalia (right)
Tony Buti will step into the role of Attorney General, replacing John Quigley following his retirement. Buti, who previously oversaw education, brings extensive legal and policy experience to the position. Along with his new legal responsibilities, he will also manage commerce, tertiary education, and international education.
Education and Child Protection Realigned
Sabine Winton will now lead education and preventative health, taking over from Tony Buti. Jessica Stojkovski, a first-time minister, will manage child protection and the prevention of family and domestic violence.
Premier Cook noted that these changes reflect Labor’s commitment to social services.
Don Punch to Handle Climate Resilience and Aboriginal Affairs
Don Punch will oversee climate resilience, water, and Aboriginal affairs. Cook said the role would “enable Don Punch to identify opportunities for us to draw upon the skills and experience of First Nations Western Australians to deal with the increasing impacts of climate change.”
Regional Ministers Appointed
The government has appointed dedicated ministers for each of WA’s regions. Cook said this would ensure direct representation and focus on regional issues.
Premier Adds Economic Diversification to His Portfolio
Roger Cook will now oversee the newly created portfolio of economic diversification. He stated that these changes bring “a mix of experience, energy, and renewal” to the cabinet.
FIgure 6: Roger Cook says his new ministry represented “a mix of experience, energy and renewal”
The new cabinet members will be sworn in at Government House on Wednesday.
