Media Release | 18 August 2026
Lachlan Hunter MLA
Shadow Minister for Mines and Petroleum
Nearly two months into the job, the Cook Labor Government’s new Mines and Petroleum Minister was unable to explain core responsibilities of his own portfolio, raising serious concerns about his preparedness for the role.
Shadow Minister for Mines, Petroleum and Exploration Lachlan Hunter MP said Question Time today raised serious doubts about whether Minister Daniel Pastorelli was prepared to manage one of WA’s most important portfolios.
Mr Hunter questioned the Minister on the State Government’s responsibilities for onshore oil decommissioning and whether he had engaged with the Federal Government on offshore decommissioning obligations.
“These were straightforward questions about who is responsible, what processes are in place and whether the Minister is actually engaging with the Commonwealth on an issue of major importance to Western Australia,” Mr Hunter said.
“The Minister’s response did little to inspire confidence he understands the significant regulatory, environmental and financial responsibilities of petroleum decommissioning, or the need to engage with Canberra on offshore obligations.”
Mr Hunter said the Government’s lack of confidence in its new Minister was further highlighted when Labor later directed a Government question about mining in the Goldfields to former Mines Minister David Michael, rather than Minister Pastorelli.
“That really said it all. Labor writes its own Dorothy Dixers, yet when it came time to ask a question about mining in the Goldfields, they turned to the former Minister,” Mr Hunter said.
“If the Cook Government does not have confidence in its new Mines Minister to answer its own scripted questions about the industry, why should the resources sector have confidence in him?
“Nearly two months into the job, Daniel Pastorelli is still relying on his predecessor to do the heavy lifting. Premier Cook might see him as Labor’s boy wonder, but WA’s resources sector is too important for on-the-job training.”
Mr Hunter said WA’s resources sector required experienced and engaged leadership, particularly as the State navigates increasingly complex issues around decommissioning, investment, regulation and Commonwealth-State responsibilities.
“The Mines, Petroleum and Exploration portfolio is central to WA’s economy, jobs and State finances. It demands a Minister who knows the brief and is prepared to lead,” Mr Hunter said.
“The question for Roger Cook is simple: when will his new Mines Minister be ready to do the job?”
ENDS
