Western Australia Premier Roger Cook has appointed Daniel Pastorelli as the state’s new Minister for Mines, Petroleum and Exploration.
The appointment follows a State Cabinet reshuffle triggered by the retirement of Paul Papalia, which has prompted an upcoming by-election in the seat of Secret Harbour.
Pastorelli, the Member for Landsdale, is a first-term parliamentarian but brings a wealth of high-level political experience to the role.
He previously served as chief of staff to former Premier Mark McGowan from 2017 until he stepped down to contest his seat at the 2024 State Election. In addition to the resources portfolio, Pastorelli will assume responsibility for the Water portfolio.
The Association of Mining and Exploration Companies (AMEC) has welcomed the appointment, with AMEC CEO Warren Pearce extending his congratulations to the incoming minister and highlighting the central role the resources sector plays in driving the Western Australian economy.
“The resources sector is central to our state’s economy, and we look forward to working constructively with Minister Pastorelli to ensure Western Australia remains the world’s leading destination for mineral exploration and mining.”
Pearce noted that the new minister faces several immediate priorities. These include securing the passage of the Mining Amendment Bill 2025, progressing the outcomes of the Resources Online initiative, and implementing recommendations from the Glen Kelly Review.
He also emphasised the pressing need to address the review into Aboriginal Cultural Heritage and find new ways to reduce delays in the approvals framework.
“There are significant opportunities ahead to strengthen WA’s resources sector, in particular is the need to act on the review into Aboriginal Cultural Heritage and find new ways to reduce delays in the approvals framework.”
“Maintaining momentum will be critical,” Pearce added, pointing to the important work already underway for the remainder of this parliamentary term.
Outgoing Mines Minister David Michael will transition to the State Development portfolio.
Pearce described his elevation as a natural transition that will allow him to advance developmental opportunities across all Western Australian industries.
