WA Liberal Senator Michaelia Cash has accused Prime Minister Anthony Albanese of “insulting” the State that handed him majority government two years ago, as speculation grew that WA would remain a minor player in Cabinet despite an impending reshuffle.
Burt MP Matt Keogh was on Saturday considered to be only an outside chance of being elevated to the 23-person Albanese Cabinet, of which Brand MP Madeleine King is currently the only West Australian member.
Ms Cash was part of a strong WA contingent of Coalition Cabinet ministers that also included Mathias Cormann, Julie Bishop, David Johnston, Michael Keenan, Christian Porter and went on to include Linda Reynolds and Melissa Price during the last Government.
“Mr Albanese likes to talk a big game in so many ways, but particularly when it comes to Western Australia,” Senator Cash said.
“What an insult to West Australians. The pathway to Mr Albanese being in Canberra as our Prime Minister was through Western Australia.
“And what does he reward Western Australia with? One person in Cabinet.
“Western Australia has literally no influence in Canberra.
“Even if he (Mr Albanese) adds one more (WA MP) to Cabinet, it is still an insult to West Australians.”
Mr Albanese won majority government at the 2022 federal Election by winning the previously held WA Liberal seats of Tangney, Swan, Pearce and Hasluck.
Ms King was the only WA-based federal MP to be appointed to his Cabinet as Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, with Mr Keogh given an outer ministry portfolio of Veterans Affairs and Defence Personnel, while Cowan MP Anne Aly similarly with Early Childhood Education and Youth.
Perth MP Patrick Gorman was given an assistant minister position — assistant minister to the Prime Minister and assistant minister for the public service.
There was speculation on Saturday that Mr Keogh could be handed the immigration portfolio, currently belonging to the much-maligned Andrew Giles.
The announcement on Saturday that Senator Carol Brown will step aside from her assistant minister responsibilities opens the door for Fremantle MP Josh Wilson to get an assistant minister position.
Mr Albanese will announce his Cabinet reshuffle on Sunday.
The reshuffle comes after ministers Linda Burney and Brendan O’Connor announced their impending retirements.