New Cabinet annouced

9/1/97

Premier Richard Court today announced a new Cabinet which blends a number of new members with a core of experienced ministers.

Mr Court - Premier; Treasurer; Minister for Public Sector Management; and Federal Affairs - said he was confident that the 'mix' would be able to oversee the delivery of social and economic dividends to the people of Western Australia as the State moved into the 21st century.

"The Cabinet makes the most of existing ministerial experience and a talented group of members who have already proven their ability when given specific projects as backbenchers," Mr Court said.

New members of the Cabinet are Rhonda Parker, Mike Board, John Day and Kim Hames. Doug Shave, who served briefly as a Minister in 1993, also returns to the ministry.

Mrs Parker was today sworn in as the Minister for Family and Children's Services; Seniors and Women's Interests.

Mr Board has responsibility for Youth, Works and Services and Multicultural and Ethnic Affairs.

Responsibility for the portfolios of Police and Emergency Services goes to John Day.

Dr Hames assumes responsibility for Aboriginal Affairs; Water Resources and Housing

.

Mr Shave becomes Minister for Lands; Fair Trading; Parliamentary and Electoral Affairs.

Mr Court said the new Cabinet also reflected changes which would allow a number of Ministers to better focus on particular portfolios.

"As part of our commitment to place a major emphasis on improving health services, Kevin Prince will retain the Health portfolio and that will be his sole responsibility," he said.

"Kevin will be putting all his efforts into ensuring that health services are available where they are needed.

"A priority for Government and all Ministers will be to further improve the delivery of services to the public."

Mr Court said Peter Foss would remain Attorney General, Minister for Justice and the Arts.

In the new ministry, however, Mr Foss would not be responsible for Environment - a demanding portfolio - to allow him to better focus on the Justice area.

Cheryl Edwardes would take on Environment and would be Minister for Employment and Training.

Graham Kierath would retain the Industrial Relations portfolio and take on Planning and Heritage.

Norman Moore would become the Minister for Mines; Tourism; Sport and Recreation. Mr Moore was also Leader of the House in the Legislative Council.

Paul Omodei had responsibility for Local Government and Disability Services.

George Cash would become Parliamentary Secretary to the Cabinet.

A number of ministers would retain their portfolio responsibilities from the previous ministry:

+ Hendy Cowan - Deputy Premier; Minister for Commerce and Trade; Regional Development; Small Business;

+ Colin Barnett - Education; Resources Development; Energy; Leader of the House in the Legislative Assembly;

+ Monty House - Primary Industry; Fisheries;

+ Max Evans - Finance; Racing and Gaming; and -

+ Eric Charlton - Transport.

There are four parliamentary secretaries:

+ John Bradshaw - Tourism;

+ June Van De Klashorst - Justice;

+ Fred Tubby - Education; and -

+ Arthur Marshall - Sport and Recreation.

"As with all previous Cabinets under my leadership, the ministry will be performance-based and I expect all Ministers to 'keep ahead of the play'," Mr Court said.

"Our State is well placed economically and it is the job of the Coalition to ensure that the benefits that can arise from this economic strength are achieved and passed on to all Western Australians."

MINISTERS

PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARIES

Media contact: Casey Cahill 222 9475