
Premier Colin Barnett today announced changes to State Cabinet following the resignation of long-serving Minister Terry Waldron, and potential conflict of interest issues concerning Transport and Finance Minister Dean Nalder.
South West Region MLC Colin Holt will come into Cabinet to fill the vacancy left by Mr Waldron and will take responsibility for Housing and Racing and Gaming.
Mines and Petroleum Minister Bill Marmion will take on Finance, the portfolio having been transferred from Dean Nalder, who will retain Transport.
Water and Forestry Minister Mia Davies will assume the Sport and Recreation portfolio.
Police and Women’s Interests Minister Liza Harvey will take on Training and Workforce Development, while Deputy Premier and Health Minister Kim Hames will take the Tourism portfolio.
The Premier welcomed Colin Holt to Cabinet.
“Colin brings another good mix of talents to our Ministerial line-up,” Mr Barnett said.
“He has a Bachelor of Science degree and during 14 years at the Department of Agriculture, developed a deep understanding of issues important to both city and regional Western Australia.”
The Premier also thanked Minister Waldron for his contribution since 2008.
“It was pleasing to be able to stand side by side with Terry yesterday to mark a major milestone in his portfolio with the start of construction on the new Perth Stadium,” he said.
“I would like to thank Terry for the contribution he has made as Minister, particularly to grassroots sport.”
The Cabinet changes follow a review by the Department of the Premier and Cabinet into the financial affairs of Dean Nalder, which identified potential conflicts of interest.
“Dean Nalder will stand aside from his responsibilities as Finance Minister to ensure there are no more potential or perceived conflicts of interest,” Mr Barnett said.
“I have asked Mr Nalder to address his obligations and responsibilities with respect to his investment interests in order to fully comply with the Ministerial Code of Conduct. I am informed this process has already begun and Mr Nalder has divested himself of his interests in the Fleet Network.”
Moore MLA Shane Love will become Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Regional Development and Lands and Minister Assisting the Minister for State Development.