John Carey.
Camera IconJohn Carey. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

John Carey misses parents on swearing in as Parliamentary Secretary to Premier

Julian WrightEastern Reporter

BEING sworn in as Parliamentary Secretary to the Premier on Friday was tinged with sadness for Perth MLA John Carey.

The Labor member, who was City of Vincent mayor, said being sworn in by Governor Kerry Sanderson at a ceremony held at Government House made him miss his parents.

“There was a tinge of sadness; I lost my mother and father within a seven-year period,” he said.

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“I wanted them there and it’s those moments I think about my loved ones.”

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He said his new role would have him be a representative of the Premier at events.

“It is an honour and I am humbled,” he said.

“I will be providing assistance to the Premier or ministers.”

Mr Carey said the next step was moving into his office, which was occupied by former Liberal MLA Eleni Evangel.

He said his key focus as a Member of Parliament was to “support and champion small business”.

Labor leader Mark McGowan was sworn in as the state’s 30th premier, along with his 16 ministers, after his party claimed 41 seats in the 59-seat parliament.

Ben Wyatt made history as Australia’s first indigenous treasurer while also taking on the finance, energy and Aboriginal affairs portfolios.