Western Australian Premier Roger Cook will personally oversee the state’s defence industries and tourism portfolios as part of a cabinet reshuffle triggered by the retirement of veteran minister Paul Papalia.
Mr Papalia’s departure left several major responsibilities requiring new ministers, including defence industries, corrective services, emergency services, veterans, and racing and gaming. The reshuffle gives Mr Cook direct control of the state’s growing role in Australia’s defence expansion.
The defence industries portfolio includes Western Australia’s responsibilities under the AUKUS security partnership involving Australia, the United States and the United Kingdom. Under the agreement, WA is expected to host a rotating presence of conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines. Major development work is also planned at the Henderson Defence Precinct and HMAS Stirling naval base.
Health Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson will assist the premier in the defence industries role. Deputy Premier Rita Saffioti will also support defence-related development after adding major infrastructure to her existing transport responsibilities.
Mr Cook has also created a combined tourism, trade and investment portfolio. He said the expanded role would help promote Western Australia internationally as a destination for employment, investment, business and tourism.
As part of the changes, the premier will hand his state development responsibilities to Balcatta MP David Michael. The portfolio has attracted scrutiny because of laws introduced in 2025 that allow the responsible minister to approve projects considered strategically or economically significant.
Daniel Pastorelli will enter cabinet and take responsibility for mines and petroleum, previously held by Mr Michael, as well as the water portfolio. Mr Pastorelli was elected to parliament about 16 months ago and has risen rapidly through Labor’s ranks.
Other responsibilities previously held by Mr Papalia have been divided among existing ministers. Attorney-General Tony Buti will take control of corrective services, while Police Minister Reece Whitby will move from tourism to emergency services.
Local Government Minister Hannah Beazley will assume responsibility for veterans, and Aboriginal Affairs Minister Don Punch will add racing and gaming to his duties.
The reshuffle places Mr Cook at the centre of Western Australia’s expanding defence program at a time when the state is preparing for major investment in naval infrastructure, submarine operations and associated industries. It also allows the premier to directly connect defence, tourism, international trade and investment with the government’s broader strategy for economic diversification.
