Western Australian Government Gazette · 11 Sep 2026 · 3 vistas
Saffioti to act as Premier while Cook is absent
Por FactBox Admin
Hon R. Saffioti MLA will act as Premier of Western Australia for more than a week while the incumbent is away. The appointment, approved by the Governor under section 12(c) of the Interpretation Act 1984, was published in the Western Australian Government Gazette No. 116 of 11 September 2026.
The acting arrangement covers the period 17 to 25 September 2026 (both dates inclusive), during which Hon R. H. Cook MLA will be absent from the offices of Premier, Minister for Defence Industries and Tourism, Trade and Investment.
The acting arrangement
The notice, reference PR402, is one of a series of ministerial acting arrangements gazetted under the Interpretation Act 1984. It was signed by M. Carey, Director General of the Department of the Premier and Cabinet, and dated 11 September 2026.
Under the arrangement, Saffioti will temporarily hold three offices in Cook’s absence:
- Premier
- Minister for Defence Industries
- Tourism, Trade and Investment
Legal basis
The appointment is made in accordance with section 12(c) of the Interpretation Act 1984, which provides for temporary appointments to ministerial offices when the holder is absent. The notice is issued for public information by the Department of the Premier and Cabinet.
The same gazette issue carries a parallel acting arrangement (reference PR401) under which Hon S. N. Dawson MLC acts for Hon J. Jarvis MLC in the offices of Minister for Agriculture and Food, Fisheries, Forestry, Small Business and Mid West for the period 20 to 25 September 2026.
Impact
The arrangement means the leadership of the WA Government will be exercised by Saffioti for over a week in September, covering the offices of Premier and the defence, tourism, trade and investment portfolios. The gazetted notice provides the formal public record of the temporary handover, ensuring continuity of ministerial authority during Cook’s absence.
Source: Western Australian Government Gazette, No. 116, 11 September 2026, Section I, p. 1899 (official reference: PR402).