Premier Roger Cook Insists Dual Home Ownership Unaffordable on $400,000 Annual Salary
Western Australian Premier Roger Cook has firmly defended his decision not to split his time between residences in Wellard and West Perth, despite receiving an annual salary of $406,325 along with significant entitlements such as a full-time driver. The Premier elaborated on his choice to rent out the family home in Wellard and purchase a city apartment in West Perth instead, aiming to be closer to both his office and his wife Carly's workplace at the Art Gallery of Western Australia.
Financial Constraints and Property Portfolio Details
Mr Cook described the move as a "tough decision" but emphasized that selling the Wellard home or staying there on weekends was not a viable option for his family. "We want to be able to return to Wellard one day when the opportunity to be the Premier has concluded," he stated. The couple also owns additional properties in North Fremantle and Waroona, as recorded in the most recent register of MPs' financial interests.
"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," Mr Cook remarked. "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."
Property Market Context and Electorate Commitment
The Premier and his wife purchased their Wellard home for $200,000 in 2008, the same year Mr Cook was first elected to office. Property prices in the suburb have experienced a substantial surge, increasing by 13 percent in the past year alone, resulting in a median house price of $737,000 according to the Real Estate Institute of Western Australia.
Despite the relocation, Mr Cook affirmed his dedication to his electorate of Kwinana. "What we will do is have an even more intense program in terms of my profile in Kwinana," he explained. "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."
He acknowledged that local businesses, such as pubs, might see reduced expenditure from him, but assured constituents they would continue to see him around the area regularly.
Traffic and Comparisons with Other Ministers
The Premier clarified that worsening traffic congestion on the Kwinana Freeway, which has occasionally made him late for morning commitments, is not the primary motivating factor behind his housing decision. Other state ministers also maintain properties within their electorates while residing elsewhere.
Deputy Premier Rita Saffioti, the member for West Swan, lives in East Victoria Park and expressed pride in representing her community for nearly 18 years. Police Minister Reece Whitby listed six properties on his primary return when elected in 2017, highlighting varied approaches to housing among government officials.
This situation underscores ongoing discussions about housing affordability and the financial realities faced by public figures, even those with substantial incomes and benefits.
