Alannah gets agriculture

Labor’s Left faction is the biggest winner from premier-elect Mark McGowan’s first Cabinet, with members rewarded for playing a crucial role in the party’s emphatic victory.

Positions for the new Cabinet members, which include Australia’s first Aboriginal treasurer and WA’s first openly gay minister, were announced by Mr McGowan ahead of the swearing-in ceremony.

In a widely tipped move, Labor stalwart Alannah MacTiernan was given the regional development and agriculture and food portfolios. Mr McGowan said Ms MacTiernan had an “affinity” for the regions.

“She’s a great fit for that portfolio, and whenever you walk down a regional street with Alannah, you’ll find that everyone knows her,” Mr McGowan said.

Former agriculture minister Mick Murray was shifted to sport and recreation, volunteering, and seniors and ageing.

“There is a very talented group of people in the Labor caucus but there’s also a very talented group of people in the Cabinet. But it bodes well for the people of the State that we have such a good group of people that fill positions in the future,” Mr MacGowan said.

“I’m not taking anything for granted -- I want to do the absolute best we can this term, and then put our case on the base of our record and the talent that we have in four years time.”

The first Cabinet meeting will be held on Monday.