Labor State Conference: Roger Cook tests positive for COVID-19, forced to miss first conference as Premier

Premier Roger Cook will miss his first Labor State Conference as WA Premier and Labor leader after testing positive for COVID-19. It means the Premier will miss this weekend’s conference, underway at Crown Perth, which he was due to speak at on Sunday. Instead, Mr Cook will provide a video message instead. Mr Cook will work from home until his symptoms clear. “This is a very timely reminder that COVID remains an ever-present risk in our community,” Mr Cook said in a statement. “Given the surge in hospitalisations, it’s clear there are hundreds of new COVID cases in our community going unreported. “We need to get back basics — wash your hands, cover your mouth when you cough, and most importantly, if you’re feeling unwell, stay at home until your symptoms resolve.” Mr Cook returned home from a three-day visit to Japan on Wednesday. He tested positive for COVID-19 on Saturday. The WA Labor state conference is the party’s biggest event of the year. On Saturday, Federal Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek paid tribute to former WA Labor leader and Premier Mark McGowan — but said Mr Cook was a worthy successor. “I’ve known Roger for decades, he’s a good friend, and we’ve worked together closely,” Ms Plibersek said. “He’s a man of experience — who kept WA safe through the worst of COVID as health minister. “A man of principle — who advanced the cause of Aboriginal Land Councils before entering parliament. “A man of vision — who is making this state a renewable energy superpower. “And he’s a man that delivers — on Metronet, on hospitals, on education, on the policies you need to keep the economy strong. “You’re the man for the hour, the man for this job.”