‘No plans to retire’: Defence Industries Minister Paul Papalia puts paid to speculation about his future

Labor Minister Paul Papalia has refuted speculation he will retire from politics, saying he isn’t going anywhere. “I have no plans to retire,” Mr Papalia told The Sunday Times this week after questions were put to him about his future. Speculation has been rife within political circles — including from within the Labor camp — that the Cook Government’s Defence Industries Minister would pull the pin on his nearly 20-year political career as early as this year. A key player in WA’s bid to reinvent itself as a nuclear submarine base and ship building powerhouse as part of AUKUS, Mr Papalia said he was “committed” to his portfolios, which also included Emergency Services, Corrective Services, Veterans and Racing and Gaming. “I am committed to my portfolios, working with the Premier to diversify and strengthen the economy and make WA an even better pl ace to live,” he said. “In particular, I’m focussed on setting our defences sector up to be WA’s largest behind the resources industry.” In an interview with The Sunday Times in December, Premier Roger Cook was asked by The Sunday Times whether Mr Papalia would still be in Cabinet by the next State election in 2029. Mr Cook failed to guarantee Mr Papalia’s place in the ministry. “That’s essentially an issue for the future,” Mr Cook said. “It’s a hypothetical (question) at this stage. “Can I just say, that in relation to all government ministers, they are all working hard and doing an exceptional job.” But within Labor ranks, there are growing calls for changes to Cabinet, to bring in some fresh talent. Labor sources have told The Sunday Times there are a growing number of backbenchers who believe they should be elevated to the ministry. “There is a push for an early reshuffle,” a Labor source said this week. In the firing line is Water Minister Don Punch, whom several Labor sources say should step aside for someone new. Aged Care and Seniors Minister Simone McGurk and Police Minister Reece Whitby are other ministers whom Labor sources say may lose their ministry in a reshuffle. In contention to become ministers are former chief of staff to Mark McGowan and Roger Cook Daniel Pastorelli, Kimberley MP Divina D’Anna, Hillarys MP Caitlin Collins, Cockburn MP David Scaife and Upper House member Samantha Rowe. The Premier has hinted at Cabinet changes before the next election. “Obviously, different Cabinet ministers are at different stages of their careers, so we will see how it goes,” Mr Cook in December said.