Premier congratulates new-look, new era Parliament

Premier Colin Barnett has congratulated the members of the new Parliament after today's swearing in of the 38th Parliament of Western Australia.

Mr Barnett also welcomed the appointment of the Member for Moore, Grant Woodhams as Speaker of the Legislative Assembly and Member for Mount Lawley, Michael Sutherland, as Deputy Speaker.

"This is an historic day for the State and a proud day for the new Liberal-National Government," he said.

"In the Legislative Assembly alone, we have 13 new Liberal Members of Parliament - that is a significant change which reflects the historic outcome of the recent State election.  This is a new Parliament and a new era of Government for WA.

"In total, there will be 35 new Members of Parliament in the two houses - 21 in the Legislative Assembly and 14 in the Legislative Council.

"I congratulate members on all sides of politics and urge that whatever differences in ideology arise, decisions are always made in the best interests of WA.

"I am humbled to enter the new Parliament as Premier of our great State and I take this role and the responsibilities that come with it very seriously.

"Good governance must take precedence over base politics.

"As Members of Parliament we have a responsibility to lead by example, make decisions and act.

"The Liberal-National Government intends, by example, to raise the standards of Parliament and manage the State in the best possible way to address issues currently facing us, as well as make sound decisions to ensure WA's future prosperity."