MacTiernan, who will also assume the portfolios of Regional Development, Jobs and Trade, and is the Minister Assisting State Development (Premier, Mark McGowan), was sworn into Cabinet on Friday. 

It marks her return to state politics, where her career began since she was first elected to the WA Legislative Council in 1993, and served as Planning and Infrastructure Minister in two previous Labor Governments.

One of the most experienced politicians in Mark McGowan’s new Cabinet, MacTiernan also served as Mayor of the City of Vincent from 2011 until 2013, when she won the Federal seat of Perth in the 2013 Federal Election. 

In WA she is best known for her tenure as Planning and Infrastructure Minister from 2001-2008, overseeing the construction of the Mandurah Railway Line, and the extensions of the Joondalup Railway Line, Mitchell Freeway and Roe Highway.

Unlike her immediate predecessors Mark Lewis, Dean Nalder and Ken Baston, MacTiernan’s background is not directly farming-based. However, she does have a very strong background in transport and infrastructure – two key components of the state’s industry.

WAFarmers President Tony York said MacTiernan’s other portfolios were complementary to the industry. 

“Agriculture represents an incredibly important part of the Western Australian economy, and to continue to have a Minister with a focus on agriculture and Regional Western Australia, we will be in a good position to increase the profitability of the sector, while making rural areas of WA an attractive place to work and live,” York said.

“With 80% of Western Australian agricultural produce being exported, it is fantastic to have the Minister responsible for jobs and trade. 

“This provides an avenue for the Government to explore new trade partners, while bolstering the relationship with existing markets.” 

York said MacTiernan’s Federal experience placed her in a “fantastic” position to advocate the strength of the WA agricultural sector on a state, national and international platform. 

“Ms MacTiernan has already demonstrated she is a great advocate for Western Australia in many forums, and we look forward to working alongside her as we strive to make the primary production sectors in Western Australia more profitable over what WAFarmers identifies to be as an exciting time for agriculture,” York said.

Darren West will serve as MacTiernan’s Parliamentary Secretary.