WA PREMIER Roger Cook has taken direct responsibility for the state’s Defence Industries portfolio in a significant Cabinet reshuffle aimed at accelerating the state’s ambitions in naval shipbuilding and sustainment.
The move follows the retirement of former minister Paul Papalia and forms part of a broader reallocation of portfolios designed to “redouble government efforts to diversify the Western Australian economy and create jobs,” according to the Premier’s statement released on Saturday.
Mr Cook will now lead the development of WA as “the largest naval maintenance and ship building hub in the southern hemisphere,” elevating the sector to the highest level of political oversight. The Premier also takes on a new Tourism, Trade and Investment portfolio, consolidating economic development levers under his leadership.
Amber‑Jade Sanderson has been appointed Assistant Minister for Defence Industries, adding defence responsibilities to her existing manufacturing, skills and TAFE portfolios. Her role is expected to strengthen workforce and training pathways for shipbuilding and sustainment.
Deputy Premier Rita Saffioti’s Transport and Major Infrastructure portfolio has been expanded to include the development of new common‑user infrastructure to support defence industry growth.
This places key shipbuilding‑related capital works — including waterfront access, heavy‑lift capability and precinct upgrades — within the state’s primary infrastructure delivery machinery. John Carey will support Ms Saffioti as Assistant Minister for Transport and Major Infrastructure.
The Premier said the new arrangements form a “strong economic team” capable of seizing opportunities and withstanding global challenges.
The changes signal a strategic consolidation of defence industry responsibilities at the top of government, with direct Premier‑level leadership likely to sharpen WA’s negotiations with the Commonwealth over naval workshare, sustainment packages and infrastructure investment.
Industry operators at Henderson — including major shipbuilders and SMEs — are expected to benefit from clearer ministerial lines, stronger integration with transport and infrastructure planning, and increased focus on workforce development.
The government’s positioning of WA as the southern hemisphere’s largest naval maintenance and shipbuilding hub underscores its intent to compete for a greater share of national defence programs, including future landing craft, autonomous systems and expanded sustainment activity.
Ministers will be sworn in from Monday, with further appointments to follow.