Country representation in the Lawrence Government has been increased with the election to Cabinet of mining and pastoral region member Tom Stephens.
Premier Carmen Lawrence said Mr Stephens brought a wealth of experience to Cabinet ranks with his strong links to rural and remote areas and having served as a Parliamentary Secretary in the Upper House.
Mr Stephens would become the Minister for Services and Mid-West.
In addition to the Mid-West portfolio, Mr Stephens would have particular responsibility for overseeing the formation of the recently announced regional development authorities in the Gascoyne and Wheatbelt.
The Premier said Ian Taylor would become the Health Minister and Minister for State Development.
"Mr Taylor is a former Health Minister and already has a good understanding of the portfolio," said Dr Lawrence.
"He is a very senior and experienced Minister who is capable of making the strongest possible case in the State's bid for health funding."
