Premier announces Bunbury MLA Don Punch’s Cabinet portfolios

Premier Mark McGowan has announced the portfolios of the new State Cabinet ministers, with Bunbury MLA Don Punch in amongst the mix. Mr Punch will serve as Minister for Disability Services, Fisheries, Innovation and ICT and Seniors and Ageing after it was yesterday announced he was among the five new ministers. The move comes less than one week after Mr Punch blitzed the opposition for his Bunbury seat, winning the primary vote at 61.3 per cent with a swing of 17.7 per cent. The Bunbury favourite delivered a swing of more than 30 per cent across the last two elections, recording the biggest swing in the State in his 2017 victory. Speaking to the South Western Times yesterday, Mr Punch said he was looking forward to finding out which portfolios were assigned to him and to play his new role. “I’m really excited, honoured and privileged to be taking on this role within the McGowan Government,” he said. Mr McGowan today confirmed he will serve as both Premier and Treasurer after handing himself the crucial financial portfolio vacated by the retiring Ben Wyatt. The reshuffle will see Health Minister Roger Cook retain his portfolio and add medical research, jobs and trade and science to his list, while Paul Papalia becomes the new Police Minister with added responsibility for road safety, defence industry and veterans. Rita Saffioti will also hold the fort in her current transport portfolio plus responsibility for ports. New cabinet ministers Amber-Jade Sanderson has been handed environment, climate action and commerce and Tony Buti will take on finance, lands, sports and recreation and multiracial interests. Fellow new entrant John Carey – the former Vincent Mayor – becomes minister for local government and housing while Reece Whitby takes on emergency services, racing and gaming, small business and volunteering. Stephen Dawson has taken on mental health, aboriginal affairs and industrial relations. David Templeman – stripped of local government – has been handed tourism instead, which has now been separated from racing and gaming, a move likely influenced by the pending royal commission into Crown Perth. Sue Ellery remains Education Minister and Leader of the Legislative Council, John Quigley as Attorney General and Bill Johnston as Mines and Energy Minister – although he has also picked up corrective services. After shedding ports to Ms Saffioti, Alannah MacTiernan will continue to handle agriculture and regional development but will assist Mr Cook in State development with a focus on hydrogen. Simone McGurk retains community services, child protection, women’s interests and prevention of family and domestic violence. Dave Kelly will have responsibility for water, forestry and youth and David Michael will act as Cabinet Secretary.