West Australian Labor leader Mark McGowan has been sworn in as the state’s 30th premier at Government House.
Mr McGowan led Labor to a landslide election win over Colin Barnett’s Liberal government last weekend, claiming 41 seats in the 59-seat parliament.
The new premier and his 16 ministers were sworn in on Friday morning by state governor Kerry Sanderson.
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The ministry, which Mr McGowan had to trim from 20 in opposition to 17 in government, sees Alannah MacTiernan parachuted in to take on regional development, agriculture and food and assist the premier in his capacity as minister for state development, jobs and trade.
New Attorney-General John Quigley says his first priorities are to lift the statute of limitations for victims of child sex abuse seeking compensation and introduce ‘no body no parole’ laws for convicted murderers.
Seven Barnett ministers lost their seats last Saturday, with deputy WA Liberals leader Liza Harvey admitting the result was a “bloodbath”.
Labor claimed Joondalup on Thursday, taking their total to 41, with Kalgoorlie remaining the last undecided electorate in the state.
It will reportedly be determined on preferences as it’s too close to call between Liberal Kyran O’Donnell, the Nationals’ Tony Crook and Labor’s Darren Forster.
– AAP