Mark McGowan sworn in as WA's 30th Premier
Updated
Mark McGowan has been officially sworn in as Western Australia's 30th Premier by State Governor Kerry Sanderson after Labor's landslide victory in last Saturday's election.
Mr McGowan and his 16 ministers were sworn in at a ceremony at Government House this morning.
The new Premier described his elevation to the top job as very humbling and admitted to some nerves as he prepared to be sworn in.
"It is a very exciting and very humbling day for myself and my family," Mr McGowan said.
"For us it has been a long road to get there, but we are fully aware of the responsibility and obligations that are now on us."
Earlier, Colin Barnett visited Government House in its last official act as Premier, with the incoming cabinet arriving at the Governor's residence as he departed, bringing to a close eight-and-a-half years of Liberal-National alliance government.
Mr McGowan announced the distribution of portfolios yesterday, with most of his MPs continuing to work in the sector they focused on in opposition.
The key changes are Fran Logan picking up Emergency and Corrective Services, Alannah MacTiernan becoming Minister for Agriculture and Regional Development, Paul Papalia getting Racing and Gaming and Bill Johnston being allocated Housing.
Labor now holds 41 seats of the 59 in the Legislative Assembly, after claiming victory in Joondalup yesterday.
The only Lower House seat still in doubt is Kalgoorlie, which is expected to go to the Liberal candidate Kyran O'Donnell.
The Upper House outcome is less certain, although it is possible Labor will pick up 16 seats and only need the support of the Greens to pass legislation.
Topics: government-and-politics, elections, wa, perth-6000
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