Western Australian Premier Roger Cook, who on Thursday refreshed his Cabinet ahead of the 2025 elections, will take responsibility for the hydrogen industry as part of his State and Industry Development, Jobs and Trade portfolio.

The addition of Hydrogen to the Premier’s portfolio is a recognition of the strategic importance of Western Australia in the energy transition, says Chamber of Minerals and Energy (CME) CEO Rebecca Tomkinson.

The hydrogen portfolio was previously held by Bill Johnson, who has resigned. His other portfolios will be shared among a number of experienced Ministers.

Reece Whitby will add Energy to his Environment and Climate Action portfolios, allowing him to spearhead Western Australia’s energy transition and drive the state's future as a clean energy powerhouse.

Responsibility for Mines and Petroleum will move to David Michael, delivering close synergies with his existing responsibilities for Western Australia’s ports.

Simone McGurk will take on Industrial Relations, helping to oversee the State's work health and safety regime and lead negotiations under the public sector wages policy.  

Paul Papalia will add the Racing and Gaming portfolio to his existing responsibilities - a portfolio which he previously held from 2017 to 2021, driving important reforms including developing the Banned Drinkers Register.

Hannah Beazley has entered the Cook Cabinet, filling the vacancy left by Johnston.

Beazley will take on the Local Government and Youth portfolios, along with becoming Minister assisting the Minister for Training and Workforce Development.

David Scaife will become Parliamentary Secretary to Minister John Carey, filling the vacancy created from Beazley's elevation to Cabinet.

Congratulating the new Cabinet members and appointments in the Cook government, Tomkinson said the Premier’s reshaped Cabinet afforded a fresh opportunity to continue discussions on accelerating Western Australia’s approvals process and progress to achieve net zero.