Mid West leaders say regional ministers a positive, but more clarity needed to understand how they will assist

Leaders in the Mid West believe having a dedicated minister for the region will be beneficial, but more clarity on the role should be considered. Last week, Premier Roger Cook announced his new-look Cabinet, which included ministers taking on regions-based portfolios in response to the swing against Labor in the country. The Mid West will have Jackie Jarvis as its minister, while Hannah Beazley will be the Gascoyne representative. Member-elect for Geraldton Kirrilee Warr believed it was a good idea, but wanted more clarity on what it would entail. “It’s evident there was a big swing back away from Labor in the regions,” she said. “I’m not sure around what these regional ministers’ portfolios contain or what it will actually achieve. “I have worked with Minister Jarvis. I look forward to having a continued positive working relationship with her. “I hope to find out more about what these ministers are going to be doing but anytime we decentralise or put the spotlight back on these issues is a good thing.” Ms Jarvis maintained her previous portfolios of agriculture and food, small business, and forestry, and also added fisheries along with Mid West. City of Greater Geraldton mayor Jerry Clune was positive about the appointment, saying it was important the State Government continued to consider the regions. “It’s been pleasing to see the Government has not completely washed itself of the regional areas,” he said. “There was certainly a big swing against but I think this is a positive move from the Government to say ‘you’re still important to us’.” Further south, the Shire of Dandaragan also welcomed the idea. Shire president Tony O’Gorman, who conceded he had a bias as his daughter Jessica Stojkovski recently became a minister, believed it would help re-engage the State Government with regional areas. “I think it’s worth trying something new, particularly because our regions have been feeling that they’ve been forgotten by the State Government,” he said. “I don’t think that’s the case for us in Dandaragan but the State Government is trying hard to engage with the regions to make sure they get a fair share.” According to the State Government, each of the regional ministers would need to “ensure regional communities have access to local job opportunities, as well as the services and infrastructure they need”.