The second McGowan government is set for big changes, with two of the premier's three closest advisers resigning and minister Peter Tinley believed to have been demoted.
The second McGowan government is set for big changes, with two of the premier's three closest advisers resigning and minister Peter Tinley believed to have been demoted.
Mr Tinley has been housing minister for the past four years since Labor was elected.
His rumoured demotion would pave the way for Premier Mark McGowan to bring more fresh talent into the ministry, notably people who are personally supported by him or aligned with Labor’s dominant left faction.
There are likely to be five new faces in the ministry.
These are Amber-Jade Sanderson, who is aligned with the powerful United Workers Union, Don Punch, who is backed by the Australian Manufacturing Workers' Union, and Reece Whitby, who is close to the Premier.
Perth MP John Carey and Armadale MP Tony Buti are also expected to join the ministry.
They will replace three retiring ministers - treasurer Ben Wyatt, corrective service minister Fran Logan and sport minister Mick Murray.
A fourth vacancy is likely to arise, assuming a veteran minister like David Templeman or Michelle Roberts becomes Speaker of the Legislative Assembly.
Mr Tinley’s demotion would create the fifth vacancy.
The make-up of the new ministry will be formally confirmed on Wednesday when the Labor caucus (i.e. all elected MPs) meet for the first time.
Meanwhile, the premier’s long-serving chief of staff, Guy Houston, and his deputy chief of staff, Jo Gaines, have announced their resignations today.
Another long-serving adviser, director of communications Daniel Pastorelli, has been promoted to chief of staff.
All three have been with Mr McGowan since 2013, which makes the two departures a major changing of the guard.
The important role played by Mr Houston, Ms Gaines and Mr Pastorelli was apparent on election night.
In his acceptance speech, Mr McGowan mentioned only a few people by name, but made a point of thanking his three top advisers.
He did the same on election night in 2017, when Labor won power.
Mr McGowan’s resounding election victory has added to his already strong influence over the state government.
It means the individuals who fill the key advisory roles in his office will be among the most influential people in the state.
Mr Houston intends to look for opportunities outside government but has no immediate plans.
In the meantime, he will stay on in the Premier’s office for a few weeks to help with the transition.
“It has been an honour and a privilege to work as Mark’s chief of staff,” Mr Houston said in a statement.
“We’ve been through good and bad times together which makes Saturday’s election victory something to be very proud of.
“Mark’s been a good friend and great boss but I believe it is an ideal time for renewal and to hand the baton over to someone else.”
Like Mr Houston, Ms Gaines said she will take a break for the immediate future.
“It was an honour and a privilege to work for the Premier,” Ms Gaines said.
“After being in this role for nine years, I have decided that it is the right time for me to leave. "
As well as filling key advisory roles in his office, the Premier will need to allocate portfolios in his new ministry.
The most significant of these is the replacement of treasurer Ben Wyatt.
Mr McGowan has refused to be drawn on who might take over as treasurer, fuelling speculation he could take the key portfolio himself.
This would be a departure from normal practice, given the high workload of being premier and treasurer.
The two alternatives are considered to be Deputy Premier and Health Minister Roger Cook, and Transport and Planning Minister Rita Saffioti, who employed Mr Pastorelli before he joined the premier’s office.
Another critical role that will need to be filled this year is director general of the Department of the Premier and Cabinet.
Career public servant Rebecca Brown has been acting in that role since the middle of last year when Darren Foster stepped down.
Mr Foster had been promoted into the role after Labor won power.
