Porter’s resignation makes way for promotions

Will Troy Buswell return as WA's Treasurer?

Will Troy Buswell return as WA’s Treasurer?

Two parliamentary secretaries could be elevated to the state Cabinet following the sudden resignation of Treasurer and Attorney-General Christian Porter yesterday.

Mr Porter immediately moved to the backbench after announcing his intention to run for the federal seat of Pearce.

The gaping hole in the senior portfolios could see former treasurer Troy Buswell return to the role but that would also leave his present responsibilities of housing, transport and emergency services up for grabs.

If Premier Colin Barnett prefers to avoid a wider Cabinet reshuffle he could retain the treasury position beyond a temporary capacity but holding the two highest portfolios would be considered too great a workload.

He is more likely to promote one of his MPs with some economic and business credentials, such as Liza Harvey or Mike Nahan.

Both are members of the Economics and Industry Standing Committee, with Mr Nahan the chairman. Ms Harvey also is Parliamentary Secretary for Small Business, a role considered to be in preparation for a ministry.

Political analyst Harry Phillips said Nationals MP Wendy Duncan also could not be ruled out.

Either way, a junior MP is likely to be promoted to Cabinet either as Treasurer or to fill Mr Buswell’s vacated portfolios.

Selecting the new Attorney-General is more obvious, with the likely candidate Michael Mischin, a former senior prosecutor with the Director of Public Prosecutions and present parliament secretary for the Attorney-General.

Michael Sutherland and Nick Goiran are also former lawyers elected in 2008, however Mr Mischin’s role as parliamentary secretary would be in his favour and his seat in the Legislative Council would spread the ministers between the houses.

Minister for Mines and Petroleum Norman Moore is filling in as Justice Minister but is not in contention for the permanent role because he is not a qualified lawyer.

Mr Barnett said yesterday the temporary arrangement would be in place until at least the end of the sitting session, which is next week.

He did not expect a wider Cabinet reshuffle at the same time.

Mr Barnett acknowledged Mr Porter would “leave a hole” in the Government but said the Liberal Party had the depth to cover his departure.

“We do have the depth to do that,” he said.

“Bear in mind there were 10 new Liberal MPs elected at the last state election, there a number of other experienced MPs and I hope more will join the Liberal team at the next election.”

Calls for speedy replacement

The Chamber of Commerce and Industry WA and state opposition have called for Mr Porter’s former portfolios to be permanently filled quickly.

CCIWA chief economist John Nicolaou said it was too much to ask the Premier to also be Treasurer.

“In a modern, sophisticated economy like WA, the days of being Premier and WA Treasurer are long gone and we do need someone in the treasury portfolio that commits to, and really pursues a reform agenda that will help deliver on, the budget targets and strategies,” he said.

Mr Nicolaou would not comment on who he preferred to be the next Treasurer but described Troy Buswell as “effective and efficient” and a reform treasurer.

“We’d like to see that commitment to reform continue with whichever treasurer is elected by the Premier,” he said.

Opposition leader Mark McGowan said changing treasurers while the budget was still being debated in Parliament was disrespectful of the parliamentary process.

He said Mr Porter could have remained in his portfolios until the March election, similar to Nationals leader Brendon Grylls who has remained as Minister for Regional Development while announcing his intention to change electorates.

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