Breaking: Rookie MP Daniel Pastorelli gets plum WA cabinet spot after Papalia resignation

Lead

Western Australian Premier Roger Cook has announced a cabinet reshuffle following the resignation of long-serving minister Paul Papalia, whose departure prompted a by-election in the southern Perth seat of Secret Harbour. In the new ministry, Mr Cook will take on the defence industries and tourism portfolios, while rookie MP Daniel Pastorelli, elected just 16 months ago, ascends to the cabinet.

Coverage comparison

The reshuffle was announced on Sunday, July 12, 2026, and comes after Mr Papalia announced his resignation earlier in the week. ABC reports indicate that Mr Papalia's departure was prompted by a need to care for a seriously ill family member. The ABC also reported that Premier Cook will oversee the defence industries portfolio, which includes responsibilities related to the AUKUS agreement, and has created a new tourism, trade, and investment portfolio. Deputy Premier Rita Saffioti will add major infrastructure to her transport portfolio, and Amber-Jade Sanderson will serve as assistant minister for defence industries.

Mr Pastorelli, who was elected to parliament last year in the safe Labor seat of Landsdale, has been appointed to the ministry, taking on the mines and petroleum and water portfolios previously held by David Michael, who now takes over state development responsibilities.

Key claims

• Cabinet reshuffle announced: Premier Roger Cook announced the reshuffle following Paul Papalia's departure, as reported by the ABC.
• Premier takes on defence industries and tourism: Mr Cook will lead these portfolios, according to the ABC.
• New minister Daniel Pastorelli: The ABC reports that Mr Pastorelli, a former chief of staff to Premiers Mark McGowan and Roger Cook, will take Mr Papalia's position in cabinet.
• By-election in Secret Harbour: The ABC confirms that a by-election will be held in the seat of Secret Harbour following Mr Papalia's resignation.
• One Nation confident of winning: The ABC reports that One Nation is confident of winning the by-election, citing rapid growth in support for the party.
• Reason for resignation: Mr Papalia resigned to care for a seriously ill family member, as reported by the ABC.

Perspectives

Premier Roger Cook: Mr Cook defended his decision to appoint Daniel Pastorelli, saying, "It is my job as the leader of the party to put together the team that I believe will best serve the interests of the government and the people that we serve." He also acknowledged the by-election would be "really tough," adding, "We're going to have to fight for our lives on this one."

Paul Papalia: The outgoing minister reflected on his entry into politics, recalling that he was given just 24 hours to decide whether to run in the 2007 by-election. He said, "There was an expectation, because right around the country [in] every other jurisdiction, there had never been a second-term government by-election where the government held the seat, so they expected to lose that, and we won."

One Nation: The ABC reports that One Nation's local branch is buoyed by the party's recent federal by-election success and is hopeful of winning the seat, though no direct quote was provided in the available reports.