THE formation of a coalition between the Liberal and National parties has given voters their first opportunity to assess the likely shape of a future coalition ministry.
Liberal leader Colin Barnett and Nationals WA leader Max Trenorden unveiled their shadow ministry last week after protracted negotiations over the allocation of portfolios.
Mr Barnett said he expected the 14 members of the shadow ministry would hold the key ministries should the coalition win the next state election, due in February.
“The entire shadow ministry team provides that good guide,” Mr Barnett said.
“There might be changes but we have picked the core of a future coalition ministry.”
Mr Barnett was cautious about the role that might be played by former ministers Graham Keirath and Kim Hames, who are seeking to return to parliament after losing their seats at the last election.
“Their first job is to get elected and then to consolidate as representatives of their electorate,” Mr Barnett said.
“Down the track they would be looked at.”
Mr Trenorden has previously expressed reservations about Mr Keirath returning to his old job as labour relations minister.
The position of labour relations spokesman has gone to Liberal MP Paul Omodei, who is also agriculture spokesman.
Mr Barnett said he expected wide support for the coalition’s plan to reverse the Gallop Government’s labour relations reforms.
“I don’t see that role as one of confrontation,” he said.
“I don’t think that will be contentious at all.”
While most of the shadow ministries match current government ministries, there are two notable exceptions.
The State development portfolio has been split in two, with veteran Liberal MP Normal Moore being spokesman for resources development and mines, and Kalgoorlie MP Matt Birney taking commerce and communications.
Mr Barnett said this gave due recognition to the mining and resources sector.
“That industry is of such scale and complexity it deserves its own senior minister,” he said.
Liberal deputy leader Dan Sullivan holds the other main business portfolio of small business.
Another significant departure is that the planning and infrastructure portfolio has been split three ways between Nationals MP Murray Criddle (road transport) and Liberal MPs Jamie Edwards (planning) and Katie Hodson-Thomas (transport).
This compromise arrangement appeased both the Nationals, who have traditionally held transport, and Ms Hodson-Thomas, who was previously the Liberals’ spokesman on transport matters.
Mr Barnett has retained responsibility for treasury matters and said he intends to be premier and treasurer should the coalition win the next election.
He argued this was a return to the traditional State government structure.
COALITION CABINET
- Colin Barnett, Leader, Treasurer.
- Max Trenorden, Deputy Leader, Energy.
- Dan Sullivan, Health, Small Business.
- Norman Moore, Resources Development.
- Matt Birney, Police, Commerce and Communications.
- Murray Criddle, Road Transport.
- John Day, Education and Training.
- Jamie Edwards, Planning, Local Government, Heritage.
- Brendon Grylls, Environment.
- Katie Hodson-Thomas, Transport.
- Barry House, Regional Development, Racing and Gaming.
- Rob Johnson, Tourism.
- Paul Omodei, Labour
Relations, Agriculture.
- Sue Walker, Attorney-General.
