Roger Cook has advised his fellow MPs to “get back to your jobs” following his affirmation as Western Australia’s thirty first chief.
The WA Labor caucus met on Tuesday morning to formalise Mr Cook as Mark McGowan’s alternative.
Speaking at a media convention after the assembly on Tuesday, Mr Cook stated whereas MPs had been shocked by Mr McGowan’s resignation final week, now was the time to “provide stable government”.
“The message today is it’s just time to get back down to hard work,” Mr Cook stated.
“This will be a government of confidence and renewed focus.
“It’s an exciting period in our state’s history, and I’m humbled and honoured to serve as premier of this state.”
Mr Cook additionally used the chance to pay tribute to Mr McGowan.
“Mark has played an outstanding, historically unprecedented role … he’s taken us from a period of time of great uncertainty through Covid, provided strength of leadership, and has overseen the strongest economy in the nation.”
Transport Minister Rita Saffioti was additionally on Tuesday confirmed as Mr Cook’s deputy.
“It is a humbling experience and one which really makes you appreciate the role that you have and the support you have,” Ms Saffioti stated.
There’s hypothesis Ms Saffioti may even be named treasurer. Mr Cook wouldn’t be drawn on new ministerial preparations however famous it was commonplace for the treasurer to be answerable for a number of portfolios.
He stated new portfolio preparations can be introduced on Wednesday.
Mr Cook additionally outlined certainly one of his key duties as being the “diversification and decarbonisation” of the state’s financial system.
“I believe it’s one of our key economic challenges, and it’s obviously one about which I care very deeply” Mr Cook stated.
“I’m determined to continue to sit in the wheelhouse, on the bridge of the state’s economy to make sure that we move through that transition.”
Former City of Stirling councillor and cupboard secretary David Michael may even enter cupboard, whereas Kimberley MP Divina D’Anna has been elevated to parliamentary secretary.
“I think (Ms D’Anna) will make a great contribution to our work, getting the message out there that the McGowan government is back on the job … well, the new Labor government is back on the job,” Mr Cook stated, correcting himself, clearly nonetheless getting used to the concept of main a Cook authorities.
The new premier, deputy, and cupboard ministers might be formally sworn in to their new roles at a ceremony on Thursday.
The assembly formalises Mr Cook because the alternative for Mr McGowan, who stood down as premier as a result of burnout.
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
