Following the WA State Election, Premier Roger Cook has unveiled his new WA Labor Government Cabinet and Ministry portfolios. The Cabinet includes several new portfolios to ensure Western Australians live in the healthiest state in the nation.
“New portfolios of Preventative Health, Health Infrastructure and Aged Care and Seniors will reduce demand on our hospitals over the long term and ensure Western Australians continue to live in the healthiest state in Australia.”
Premier Roger Cook
Injury Matters congratulates to Labor Government on its election win and welcomes the historic appointment of the first Minister of Preventative Health, Hon Sabine Winton. It is hoped that this new appointment will correlate with an increase in the investment in prevention and support the overall well-being of the WA community.
Injury Matters also congratulates the Ministers appointed to other injury-related portfolios;
- Hon Meredith Hammat MLA – Minister for Health; Mental Health
- Hon Reece Whitby MLA – Minister for Police; Road Safety
- Hon Rita Saffioti MLA – Deputy Premier; Treasurer; Transport; Sport and Recreation
- Hon Jessica Stojkovski MLA – Minister for Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence; Assisting the Minister for Transport
- Hon Don Punch MLA – Minister for Aboriginal Affairs; Climate Resilience
- Hon Paul Papalia MLA – Minister for Emergency Services
WA has the opportunity to be the leader in prioritising preventive health and to set an example for other states and territories. With more than four Western Australians dying each day due to injury and injury being the leading cause of death for Western Australians aged 15-44 years, the time for action is now.
Prior to the State Election Injury Matters sought commitment from WA political parties regarding; funding for a campaign to change attitudes and actions that directly lead to serious preventable injuries, funding to scale up evidence-based falls prevention initiatives, ongoing support for the Older Adults Alcohol and Other Drugs project, reduced access to cheap alcohol products and the development of a Firearms Research and Community Safety Centre. Injury Matters will continue to advocate for the need for these initiatives with the WA Labor Government.
Injury Matters looks forward to ongoing conversations with all members of the Cabinet to ensure ongoing commitment to WA injury prevention and community well-being initiatives.