West Australian Premier Mark McGowan has tweaked his cabinet, saying the biggest change allows transport and planning minister Rita Saffioti to focus on Labor's flagship Metronet rail expansion.
She is no longer responsible for lands, which has been handed to Aboriginal affairs minister Ben Wyatt.
Mr McGowan said another significant change was energy being taken from Mr Wyatt and handed to mines and petroleum minister Bill Johnston.
The premier said Mr Wyatt had his hands full as treasurer so the move would allow a greater focus on energy reform, stability, prices, climate change and the future of the Collie coal industry.
Regional development minister and parliamentary veteran Alannah MacTiernan will take on ports from Ms Saffioti.
Mr McGowan has this year staunchly defended Ms MacTiernan from criticism over her firm stance on live sheep export scandals and support for a wave energy project that is looking shaky.
He has also defended education minister Sue Ellery, who came under fire for funding cuts, some of which were abandoned.
"I'm very confident in Sue ... it's a very large portfolio. I've done it, I know how difficult it can be," Mr McGowan told reporters on Thursday.
He has also backed corrective services minister Fran Logan amid calls for him to stand down over the Greenough Regional Prison riot and mass escape, saying it was a tough portfolio.
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