Premier instructs Cabinet ‘don’t present as arrogant’ after polls show inevitable post-McGowan ‘reset’

Premier Roger Cook has blamed dire polling on an inevitable “reset” after Mark McGowan’s sudden resignation, but was concerned enough about the shock numbers to warn his Cabinet to not present “as an arrogant Government”. The Utting poll, published by The West Australian on Monday, showed the WA Liberals leading on a two party preferred basis with a 54 per cent vote compared to the State Government’s 46 per cent. “I think there’s always going to be a reset ... after former Premier Mark McGowan left his position,” Mr Cook told reporters in Port Hedland on Wednesday, responding publicly to the poll for the first time. “But look, I understand that everyone in the community is wondering now about how they’re going to deal with the cost of living, how they’re going to continue to make sure that they look after their kids, how we can continue to make sure that Western Australia is a great place to live. “And I’m here to deliver. I’m here to deliver on what matters, continue to work with the community, making sure that we listen to the community, are humble, and deliver on our commitments.” Mr Cook listed his Government’s priorities as including “great schools, great hospitals” when asked if he was concerned the controversial Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act enacted on July 1 was denting its polling and boosting the Liberals. After Housing Minister John Carey revealed on Tuesday that Mr Cook had “stressed” to his frontbench to be “humble”, Education Minister Sue Ellery added to the impression the poll dominated Cabinet discussions on Monday. “Premier Cook has made his position really clear: we are not an arrogant Government,” Ms Ellery told reporters on Wednesday. “We are not to present as an arrogant Government. “You know, we need to be really humble. “You don’t take any election for granted and a Government that does that will come a cropper.” Asked about the poll, Police Minister Paul Papalia said he was weighed down by “a pretty heavy portfolio” with the addition of corrective services previously handled by Bill Johnston. “Look, I’m flat out doing my job ... so I’m focused on that,” Mr Papalia told reporters on Wednesday. “And I think if Governments focus on doing their job right, making the community safer and better, people will recognise that.” Asked if the polling didn’t concern him, the Minister replied: “Not worried too much about too many other things”. Ms Ellery said there would be many polls between now and the 2025 State election, so she would “leave it to commentators to make their own judgments and their own comments” about the latest. “We’re focused on the job at hand, which is helping West Australians with cost of living and investing in health and housing, and making sure that we continue to protect our hard-fought financial position,” she said.