Public transport project load sparks Saffioti handover
Western Australian premier Mark McGowan has revealed a limited cabinet reshuffle impacting on transport minister Rita Saffioti’s responsibilities.
Casting it as a move to “sharpen” Saffioti’s focus, McGowan moves the ports portfolio to former transport minister Alannah MacTiernan’s desk.
Saffioti is now tasked with overseeing the delivery of the rail-focused Metronet public transport project in Perth and implementing planning reform across the state.
Read how Saffioti and MacTiernan linked on rural transport issues, here
The reshuffle aims to “strengthen the focus” of the government’s agenda and “assist in balancing workloads” for ministers.
“It’s always important that we reflect on our workloads in the Cabinet and continue to focus on delivering our election agenda,” McGowan says.
“These minor changes within my Cabinet will help build on the State’s strong performance over the last 20 months and continues our stable approach to government.”
In other moves, treasurer Ben Wyatt will hand the energy portfolio to mines and petroleum minister Bill Johnston.
Three of Johnston’s current portfolios – commerce, electoral affairs and Asian engagement go to other ministers.
Commerce lands with attorney general John Quigley, environment minister Stephen Dawson gains electoral affairs, and Asian engagement is housing minister Peter Tinley’s.