Premier Roger Cook says he can’t afford to live in Wellard and work in West Perth despite $400k salary

Roger Cook claims he can’t afford to split his time between houses in Wellard and West Perth, despite a $400,000 annual salary, plus entitlements that include a full-time driver. The Premier doubled-down on defending his decision to rent out the family home and purchase a city apartment instead, to be closer to his office and wife Carly’s work at the Art Gallery of WA. The couple also own properties in North Fremantle and Waroona, according to the most recent register of MPs financial interests. Mr Cook described the move as a “tough decision” but said selling or staying weekends in Wellard, in his electorate of Kwinana, wasn’t a viable option. “We want to be able to return to (Wellard) one day when the opportunity to be the Premier has concluded,” he said. “So we didn’t want to up stumps from Wellard. I think those people who have the opportunity to either access an allowance, or have the personal wealth to be able to maintain mortgages in two places, good luck to them. “The fact of the matter is that I couldn’t afford to have both a place in the city and to pay a mortgage in Wellard”. The Premier’s annual salary increased to $406,325 last year. He and wife Carly paid $200,000 for their Wellard home in 2008, the same year Mr Cook was first elected. Property prices in the suburb have surged 13 per cent in the past year alone, for a median house price of $737,000 according to the Real Estate Institute of WA. Mr Cook says he’ll continue to spend time in his electorate. “What we will do is have an even more intense program in terms of my profile in Kwinana,” he said. “We make that an important part of what we do in the Premier’s office to ensure that I am able to be in the electorate as often as possible. “Obviously the local pub’s not going to benefit from having my expenditure of my pocket money on a very, very regular basis, so there will be some changes, but people will still continue to see me around.” The Premier said worsening traffic congestion on the Kwinana Freeway which has made him late for some morning commitments is not the primary motivating factor. Coincidentally, on Monday, his office sent out a press release spruiking Labor’s promise to add an extra lane and calling peak-hour congestion a “major source of frustration” for commuters in Perth’s southern suburbs. Construction on the $700 million upgrade is not due to start until 2027. “This (move) is about the further demands of travel which come with the role,” Mr Cook said. “I’ve got a long term focus in relation to this and I think people would appreciate the opportunity to be close to my office so that I can apply myself even more.” State politicians are also entitled to a motor vehicle allowance worth $27,500. The Premier, ministers and Opposition Leader are instead provided a chauffeur service, as required. And all MP’s can claim electorate and office expenses of up to $90,000 each year. “As per the determination of the Salaries and Allowances Tribunal, the Premier is entitled to a Government vehicle to assist in his travel,” a State Government spokesperson said. “As such, the Premier does not receive the motor vehicle allowance. The Premier’s schedule of events regularly takes him to all parts of Western Australia. “All Members of Parliament, including the Premier, must disclose property interests through the Annual Register of Members’ Interests.” Some ministers were blindsided by Mr Cook’s decision to move, but they’re presenting a united front in public. “I (found out) in the paper,” Education Minister Sabine Winton said. “That’s a matter for the Premier. I know in my engagement with the Premier’s office he is super connected to Kwinana,” she said. “That’s not going to change.” At a school in East Cannington to promote the expansion of free school breakfasts, the Premier wasn’t swayed by calls for more cost-of-living relief for others as the Iran war threatens to push up prices. He said the Government is focused on “targeted” help for families and those in need. But urged drivers to avoid any petrol stations using the conflict to justify charging more at the bowser. “If someone’s charging over two bucks a litre, particularly in the metropolitan area, you know they’re trying it on,” Mr Cook said. “Go to the next servo, ignore them.” Former Premier Mark McGowan confirmed he was considering a move out of Rockingham in 2021, after his home was the subject of threats, but he didn’t move out of area until after he quit politics - citing exhaustion - in May 2023. Party insiders have suggested the move could help Mr Cook stay in the top job longer. He brushed off the suggestion that he’s tired as a result of long hours. “If people (are) questioning my commitment to the job, they just need to reflect on the fact I’m moving directly opposite my office,” he said. “I’m 100% committed to the long term role, and this is a very solid demonstration of that commitment.” Other ministers who live elsewhere but maintain a property inside their electorate include Deputy Premier Rita Saffioti and Police Minister Reece Whitby, who listed six properties on his primary return when he was elected in 2017. Ms Saffioti is the member for West Swan and lives in East Victoria Park. “I have been proud to represent West Swan for almost 18 years, and throughout that time my focus has always been on delivering real outcomes for the local community,” she said. “The Premier works tirelessly for Western Australia every single day, including the Kwinana community he represents.”