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Former Public Service Minister Ben Morton has now been appointed to two government gigs by the McGowan government.Credit:Alex Ellinghausen

In one of the biggest shocks in the May federal election,Morton lost his blue-ribbon seat of Tangney to 2020 WA police officer of the year Sam Lim.

Morton was former PM Scott Morrison’s right-hand man during Morrison’s time as prime minister and served as the public service minister and special minister of state.

He was also the WA Liberal party’s WA director for seven years,but his history with the opposition party has not swayed Premier Mark McGowan’s decision to appoint him to significant positions at government trading enterprises.

Ports Minister Rita Saffioti said Morton’s experience as a minister made him suitable for the initial two-year term appointment.

“Ben brings a lot of experience to the role and will provide strong leadership on the board,” she said.

Robyn Fenech will also serve another year on the board.

The Southern Ports Authority manages the ports of Albany,Bunbury and Esperance which are vital for grain exports in the South West and Great Southern regions as well as more than 25 million tonnes of minerals exports from mining operations.

Morton replaced Rob Bransby as insurance commissioner in October after Bransby was appointed chair of the organisation.

At the time McGowan said Morton’s time as a minister overseeing the Australian Government’s self-insurer,Comcover,and his work in establishing the National Office for Child Safety gave him the right experience to head the commission.

McGowan also announced some significant changes to the Infrastructure WA board including the appointment of former South Australian Premier Jay Weatherill,who now heads up Andrew and Nicola Forrest’s Thrive By Five early childhood education program.

Nyoongar elder and 2021 Senior Australian of the Year Richard Walley will also join Infrastructure WA’s board from January 1.

Department of Transport boss Peter Woronzow was reappointed for a further term while inaugural board members Andrea Sutton and Wayne Zekulich did not have their appointments renewed.

“I congratulate Hon Weatherill and Dr Walley on their appointments,bringing their diverse
expertise and experiences to the Board,and contributing to the guidance of the IWA team through their next phase of work,” McGowan said.

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