Premier Colin Barnett has today announced minor changes to the Ministry.
Troy Buswell will retain the transport and housing portfolios and will add emergency services, where he will work closely with environment minister Bill Marmion, particularly in relation to fires.
“Troy Buswell has a proven track record as a minister capable of handling a big workload,” Mr Barnett said.
Rob Johnson, who has held the emergency services portfolio since September 2008, will continue as police and road safety minister, and also remain as leader of the house in the Legislative Assembly.
“Rob Johnson has overseen one of the biggest changes in the history of fire and emergency services in Western Australia,” the premier said.
“Following the Perth Hills Bushfire Review, headed by Mick Keelty AO, Mr Johnson accepted, in principle, all recommendations suggested and oversaw the beginning of comprehensive changes to the Fire and Emergency Services Authority (FESA).
“In the past few years, FESA has had record amounts of funding which has seen sweeping changes in terms of the authority’s ability to respond to the more than 6,000 fires and other natural disasters which impact on WA each year.
“Mr Johnson has been critical in securing this funding and ensuring it is used to improve our emergency services aerial fleet with water bombers, new helicopters and other aircraft.
“He will continue to play a key role in helping the State Government deliver on its law and order agenda.
“In particular, he will focus on delivering on the Government’s commitment to have 100 per cent of speed camera revenue provided to the Road Trauma Trust Fund by July 2012.
“I’d like to thank all my Ministers for their hard work and commitment during the year.”
