Former minister appointed chair of WA transport advisory group

FORMER West Australian government minister Bill Johnston has been appointed as the new chair of the Freight and Logistics Council of WA (FLCWA) providing advice to the state government on strategic freight and logistics activities.

Mr Johnston succeeds Megan McCracken in the role who has served in the position since June 2021.

Established in 2009, the FLCWA provides strategic advice on issues faced by the freight and logistics industry in WA, with members appointed by the transport minister.

It provides government with high‑level advice on the issues facing Western Australia’s supply chains that is likely to include planning to system‑wide freight coordination, like the planned Westport container terminal at Kwinana for long‑term port planning, freight corridor development and the integration of road, rail and maritime supply chains — all core elements of the Westport program.

The Council’s role in advising on “issues faced by the freight and logistics industry” is likely to include freight rail — a backbone of WA’s bulk export system, although the government statement does not reference specific rail reforms. Subjects such as rail access, network capacity, pricing frameworks and even structural questions like a freight rail buyback fall within the scope of the council’s industry‑informed advice.

Transport minister Rita Saffioti highlights the council’s role in ensuring WA’s freight system remains “efficient, resilient and sustainable,” underscoring its contribution to supply‑chain resilience planning across a geographically vast state which includes advising government on the impacts of cyclones, port disruptions, labour shortages and other shocks that can affect the movement of goods across WA’s road, rail and port networks.

Mr Johnston brings a wealth of experience to the role having served as a senior Labor Government Minister across several portfolios prior to his retirement in 2025.

As mines and petroleum minister, he oversaw record resource industry exports, and as energy minister delivered significant government investment into renewable energy generation and storage.

“Mr Johnston also held the industrial relations portfolio, delivering landmark reforms for workers across the state,” the government announcement said.

Mr Johnston currently serves on several boards, including the McKell Institute, the Burswood Park Board and the Gaming and Wagering Commission.

Ms Saffioti said she was looking forward to working with Mr Johnston “to improve our state's freight and logistics outcomes”.

"In a state as large as Western Australia, co-ordination of our freight and logistics operations are critical and the FLCWA plays an important role in facilitating effective engagement across government and industry.

"Bill brings a depth of experience to the position that will be invaluable to support an efficient, resilient and sustainable freight and logistics system.

"I would also like to acknowledge outgoing Chair Megan McCracken and thank her for her valuable contribution to the FLCWA,” Ms Saffioti said.