Baldivis MLA Reece Whitby thanks motorists for their support on Wednesday. |
Camera IconBaldivis MLA Reece Whitby thanks motorists for their support on Wednesday. | Credit: Supplied/Gabrielle Jeffery

WA Election: Whitby and Papalia join McGowan and Cook in sharing the spoils for Labor

Tim SlaterWeekend Kwinana Courier

Unveiling his cabinet yesterday, Premier Mark McGowan announced he had also taken on the portfolios of public sector management, state development, jobs and trade and federal-state relations.

Kwinana MLA and Deputy Premier Roger Cook will be the Health and Mental Health minister.

Warnbro MLA Paul Papalia takes on the tourism, racing and gaming, small business, defence issues and citizenship and multicultural affairs portfolios.

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Tourism Council WA chief executive officer Evan Hall said Mr Papalia had been a strong voice for tourism during his time as Opposition spokesman for the industry.

“Mr Papalia understands what tourism needs to grow and take back market share lost during the resources boom,” Mr Hall said.

New Baldivis MLA Reece Whitby will be a parliamentary secretary to the Treasurer, Minister for Finance, Energy and Aboriginal Affairs, Minister for Environment and Disability Services and the Deputy Leader of the Legislative Council.

Mr McGowan said it was a cabinet for the times and for the State.

The new cabinet will meet for the first time on Monday.

Former journalist Mr Whitby said the support he had received in Baldivis had been amazing.

“I’m incredibly humbled by the support of so many people across the Baldivis electorate and I now want to work as hard as I can to improve the lives of local families,” he said.

“Obviously working closely with Mark as Premier means the people of Baldivis will have a strong voice inside the new Government and that can only be good for our local community.

“My first priorities will be working with Mark to create more job opportunities, especially locally in the southern corridor and ensuring our local schools are resourced.”