Landsdale MLA Daniel Pastorelli has been promoted to the Cook Government Cabinet, filling the vacancy left by veteran minister Paul Papalia. Premier Roger Cook confirmed the appointment today following a special meeting of the State Parliamentary Labor Party caucus.
Pastorelli was only elected to Parliament in 2025, and until now had served as Cabinet Secretary. In that role he led the State Government’s public holiday reforms, which added two extra days off for Western Australian workers, and chaired the steering committee behind the Perth Park Project, an election commitment that has involved consultation with sporting bodies, tourism operators, and local residents. Before entering politics, he worked as chief of staff to both Cook and former Premier Mark McGowan.
“Daniel Pastorelli is an exciting addition to my Cabinet, and I look forward to working with him to deliver on my government’s priorities,” Cook said.
Kimberley MLA Divina D’Anna steps into the Cabinet Secretary position Pastorelli has vacated. Cook said D’Anna had “worked hard as my Parliamentary Secretary and will bring the same passion and determination to her new role as Secretary to the Cabinet.” Changes to portfolio arrangements are expected to be announced in the coming days.
The seat Papalia leaves behind
Pastorelli’s promotion follows Papalia’s decision to retire from State Parliament after 19 years, which the minister announced on Monday. Papalia is stepping back to support an immediate family member through a serious illness, and formally resigned from Cabinet and his seat of Secret Harbour on Friday.
Papalia leaves behind one of the longest and most varied records in the government. A Navy clearance diver who served 26 years in the military, including deployments to Iraq with the Special Air Service Regiment’s counter terrorist squadron, he was elected to represent Peel in a 2007 by-election and went on to hold some of the government’s most demanding portfolios. He became the State’s first Defence Issues Minister in 2017, building a sector that had been largely unrepresented into one now positioned to become WA’s second largest behind resources, securing AUKUS work and establishing the Western Defence Forge manufacturing hub along the way.
As Tourism Minister, he presided over the Rottnest Island quokka selfie phenomenon, drawing in Roger Federer, Matt Damon, and Chris Hemsworth and turning it into one of the State’s most effective tourism moments. He later served as Police Minister from 2021 and took on the Corrective Services portfolio in 2023, alongside roles covering emergency services, veterans, and racing and gaming.
“After a lifetime of service to his country, his community and Western Australia, it is entirely fitting that he is now stepping back to support a loved one when they need him most,” Cook said.
Papalia’s departure also triggers a by-election in Secret Harbour, with the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly to work with the Electoral Commissioner on possible dates. The southern coastal seat now shapes up as the next test at the ballot box for the Cook Government.
