WA Premier Roger Cook has reshuffled his cabinet following the resignation of long‑serving minister Paul Papalia, taking on two heavyweight portfolios defence industries and tourism as the state positions itself for major national and international projects.
Papalia previously oversaw emergency services, corrective services, defence industries, veterans, and racing and gaming. His departure triggered a significant redistribution of responsibilities, including Cook assuming leadership of WA’s role in the AUKUS agreement with the United States and United Kingdom a central pillar of Australia’s future defence strategy.
Cook also created a new tourism, trade and investment portfolio aimed at promoting Western Australia globally as “the best place to work, do business and visit.” In turn, he handed his state development responsibilities to Balcatta MP David Michael, whose portfolio has drawn scrutiny since new powers were introduced last year allowing ministers to fast‑track projects deemed of “strategic or economic significance.”
The reshuffle also elevates Daniel Pastorelli, a rising Labor figure dubbed a “boy wonder”, who was elected just 16 months ago. Pastorelli replaces Papalia in cabinet and takes on mines and petroleum as well as water, while Michael relinquishes mines and petroleum to him.
The move is widely viewed as a captain’s call by Cook, signalling both consolidation of key strategic portfolios and the rapid promotion of emerging talent within WA Labor.
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