Member for Kimberley
14. Hon Neil Thomson to the Leader of the House representing the Premier:
I refer to the article by Joe Spagnolo of 2 March 2025, which states:
Multiple sources have told the Sunday Times that the popular 49-year-old headed a list of WA Labor MPs that would seriously be considered for a Cabinet promotion if Roger Cook won Saturday's election.
It's widely speculated within Labor political circles that if promoted to Cabinet, Ms D'Anna could become the first Indigenous female to be appointed WA Aboriginal Affairs Minister.
(1) Can the minister explain to the people of the Kimberley why the member for Kimberley was not appointed as Minister for Aboriginal Affairs?
(2) Can the Premier explain why the Premier has also appointed a Minister for Kimberley—Hon Stephen Dawson?
(3) Do these two appointments show a lack of confidence in the member for Kimberley to do her job and represent the people of the Kimberley?
(4) Was the media backgrounding by the Labor Party to Mr Spagnolo just a political ploy to improve the member's chances at the 2025 election?
Hon Stephen Dawson replied:
I thank the member for the question.
(1)–(4) The member for Kimberley, who was resoundingly re-elected by the people of the Kimberley at the 2025 state election, has been appointed as Parliamentary Secretary to the Premier in recognition of her talent and strong work ethic. The appointment of a dedicated minister for each region across the state demonstrates the government's commitment to ensuring that regional communities have access to local job opportunities as well as the services and infrastructure that they need.
