McGowan 'humbled' to be WA premier

Mark McGowan has officially become Western Australia's 30th premier, with his ministry sworn in at Government House.

New WA Premier Mark McGowan with his family

WA Labor leader Mark McGowan has been sworn in as the state's 30th premier at Government House. (AAP) Source: AAP

Mark McGowan says he is humbled and excited after being officially sworn in as Western Australia's 30th premier.

Mr McGowan and his 16 ministers were sworn in on Friday morning at Government House by state Governor Kerry Sanderson.

"I'm very excited, I'm very humbled, I'm very grateful," he said after the ceremony.

"It's been a long road to get there, but we are fully aware of the responsibility and the obligations that are now on us."

Mr McGowan led Labor to a landslide election win over Colin Barnett's Liberal government last weekend, claiming 41 seats in the 59-seat parliament.

He said that after 20 years in parliament, being sworn in as premier lived up to his expectations.

"It is a great moment ... but I'm aware that from this point forward, it's all work," he said.

Ben Wyatt makes history as Australia's first indigenous treasurer while also taking on the finance, energy and Aboriginal affairs portfolios.

The ministry, which Mr McGowan had to trim from 20 in opposition to 17 in government, sees Alannah MacTiernan parachuted in to take on regional development, agriculture and food, and assist the premier in his capacity as minister for state development, jobs and trade.

New Attorney-General John Quigley said his first priorities are to lift the statute of limitations for victims of child sex abuse seeking compensation and introduce "no body, no parole" laws for convicted murderers.

Seven Barnett ministers lost their seats last Saturday, as well as former WA Nationals leader Brendon Grylls, who lost Pilbara to Labor's Kevin Michel.

Deputy WA Liberals leader Liza Harvey, who held on to her seat of Scarborough, admitted her party led a "terrible campaign" and said the result was a "bloodbath".

Labor claimed Joondalup on Thursday, taking their total to 41, with Kalgoorlie remaining the last undecided electorate in the state.

It will reportedly be determined on preferences as it's too close to call between Liberal Kyran O'Donnell, the Nationals' Tony Crook and Labor's Darren Forster.


Share
2 min read

Published

Updated

Source: AAP

Share this with family and friends


Follow SBS Korean

Download our apps
SBS Audio
SBS On Demand

Listen to our podcasts
Independent news and stories connecting you to life in Australia and Korean-speaking Australians.
Ease into the English language and Australian culture. We make learning English convenient, fun and practical.
Get the latest with our exclusive in-language podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS
Korean News

Korean News

Watch it onDemand