Premier announces minor change to Cabinet to avoid potential conflict of interest

Tuesday, 21 March 2017
 Page Content

• Minister Bill Johnston will assume the Mines and Petroleum portfolio
• The responsibility for the Housing portfolio will go to Minister Peter Tinley
• Change reflects Premier Mark McGowan's commitment to run a transparent and accountable Government 

Premier Mark McGowan today announced a minor ministerial change to Cabinet to avoid any potential or perceived conflict of interest.

Minister Bill Johnston will take on the Mines and Petroleum portfolio, after it became apparent that Minister Peter Tinley would need to manage a potential or perceived conflict of interest in that portfolio.

At the first McGowan Labor Government Cabinet meeting, Cabinet was made aware that a family member of Mr Tinley worked in the oil and gas industry.

Minister Tinley will assume the Housing portfolio from Minister Johnston and retain the Veterans Issues and Youth portfolios.

The Ministerial changes will be formalised later this week.

Comments attributed to Premier Mark McGowan:

"This is a responsible change to State Cabinet to ensure Ministers can do their job without any conflicts, potential or perceived.

"Once Cabinet was made aware of the potential conflict it soon became clear that managing the issue would be too complex, given the portfolio responsibilities and therefore the matter was dealt with at the earliest opportunity.

"Although the conflict could have been managed in an appropriate manner, I have made the decision to put the issue beyond any doubt.

"The change reflects WA Labor's commitment to running a transparent and accountable government."