WA Premier announces new sport and tourism ministers

Western Australian Premier Colin Barnett has announced changes to State Cabinet following the resignation of long-serving Minister Terry Waldron, and potential conflict of interest issues concerning Transport and Finance Minister Dean Nalder.

South West Region MLC Colin Holt will come into Cabinet to fill the vacancy left by former Minister Waldron and will take responsibility for Housing and Racing and Gaming while Water and Forestry Minister Mia Davies (pictured) will assume the Sport and Recreation portfolio.

The changes also see Deputy Premier and Health Minister Dr Kim Hames re-appointmented to the Tourism portfolio.

Dr Hames’ return to as Tourism Minister has been welcomed by Tourism Council Western Australia Chief Executive Evan Hall.

Stating that Minister Hames demonstrated a great understanding of tourism when he previously filled the role and was highly regarded by the industry, Hall explained "the Deputy Premier and Tourism positions go well together because the industry is such a major contributor to the State economy.

“As Tourism Minister, Dr Hames will be responsible for an $8.7 billion industry, creating 91,000 jobs across the State.

“When Minister Hames vacated the tourism portfolio in July last year, I described him as one of the best tourism ministers I had worked with due to his understanding of the importance of tourism to the economic development, jobs and businesses in Western Australia.

“We know that Minister Hames will pursue the government’s commitments to the tourism industry and State strategy to double tourism by 2020.”

Premier Barnett thanked Terry Waldron for his contribution to his Government since 2008, concluding “it was pleasing to be able to stand side by side with Terry yesterday to mark a major milestone in his portfolio with the start of construction on the new Perth Stadium.

“I would like to thank Terry for the contribution he has made as Minister, particularly to grassroots sport.”

5th August 2013 - LIZA HARVEY APPOINTED WESTERN AUSTRALIA’S NEW TOURISM MINISTER