Less than 24 hours before the first West Australian parliamentary sitting day of the new year, Opposition Leader Eric Ripper has unveiled a reshuffle that affects more than half the shadow ministry.
Less than 24 hours before the first West Australian parliamentary sitting day of the new year, Opposition Leader Eric Ripper has unveiled a reshuffle that affects more than half the shadow ministry.
As flagged last week former government minister and New Right faction leader Michelle Roberts has been elevated to the opposition treasury role at the expense of Ben Wyatt.
Ms Roberts also has responsibility for tourism and government accountability.
Mr Wyatt was stripped of the treasury position in January after his failed leadership challenge, with Mr Ripper saying there needed to be consequences for political mistakes.
However, the young lawyer has been allowed to keep his spot in the shadow cabinet, taking over as opposition education spokesman from Ms Roberts.
One of Mr Wyatt's strongest backers Paul Papalia was stripped of his corrective services portfolio despite showing passion in the area, pushing for a justice reinvestment program last year.
Mr Ripper said he may have put too much of a heavy load on the shoulders of the "relatively inexperienced politician" and would now be able to focus solely on the area of local government.
However, the Labor leader signalled Mr Papalia's role in the leadership challenge did play a part in his demotion.
"What I've said and I've said this to Paul quite frankly, I would like Paul to rebuild his relationship with caucus members," Mr Ripper said.
"I've told Paul there will be bigger things for him in the future, this is a setback for him but a temporary setback and under my leadership Paul will have more things to do in the future."
Fran Logan will take over Mr Papalia's responsibility for corrective services as well as his existing portfolios of industrial relations and water.
Other major changes in Labor's frontbench line-up include Ken Travers being given the shadow finance role as well as keeping the portfolio of transport.
John Hyde has been given responsibility for planning, in addition to culture & the arts and heritage, while Mick Murray has a new South West portfolio.
The reshuffle was prompted by disruptions within the Labor caucus triggered by Mr Wyatt's failed coup, which lasted all but two days, as well as the fact the government reshaped its cabinet in December.
Mr Ripper said the reshuffle may upset a few people in the party but reiterated he had the overwhelming support of most of the caucus.
"While the majority of caucus members strongly support my leadership there are a few criticisms and I believe there will probably be one or two people who'll make criticisms," he told reporters.
"But I'm the leader and I take responsibility and I get to organise the team and at the end of the day what's more important - the grumbles of a few individual people or what we do for the cause?"
