Nola Marino’s promotion welcomed by pollies from both sides

South West State politicians from both major parties have welcomed the promotion of Forrest MHR Nola Marino to the role of Regional Development Assistant Minister.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison offered Mrs Marino the role on Sunday.

“It is truly a great honour to be offered the role of Assistant Minister for Regional Development and Territories,” she said.

“As someone who lives and works in the South West of Western Australia I understand the needs of those who live in regional and rural areas.”

She will work with Regional Development Minister Michael McCormack.

The promotion means Mrs Marino will vacate the Chief Government Whip role.

“It was a privilege to serve as the first female Chief Government Whip in Australia,” she said.

“However I am looking forward to taking on my new role.”

Bunbury MLA Don Punch congratulated Mrs Marino on her new role and said any opportunity to have the region represented in the Federal Ministry was a good thing.

“People all across Forrest are hoping Mrs Marino’s promotion to Assistant Minister will deliver tangible benefits, and none more so than those in Bunbury,” he said.

“It would be great to see Mrs Marino set a target for Federal funding in Bunbury and deliver.

“One way she could achieve this is by advocating for a city deal for Bunbury or even a regional deal for Bunbury Geographe.”

South West MLC Steve Thomas said Mrs Marino’s appointment was fantastic for the region.

“She has been remarkably successful in recent years to secure money for the Bunbury Outer Ring Road and the irrigation projects around Wellington Dam,” he said.

“In my view that can only be enhanced by her new role.”

“My initial reading of it is that she will now be the most senior spokesperson for regional development in Western Australia.”

Murray-Wellington MLA Robyn Clarke said it was fantastic to have a local and regionally-based woman in the important role.

“I hope this will bring more attention to the South West and its needs,” she said.

“Nola and I have a great working relationship, and I’m looking forward to continuing that with her new role as Regional Development Assistant Minister.

“I’m hoping major projects such as the Myalup-Wellington project are continued, and that regional roads are given attention.”