LOCAL MPs Simone McGurk and Peter Tinley have been promoted to WA Labor’s shadow cabinet.

The MPs’ shadow portfolios will be announced Friday, after the Herald has gone to press.

However, in a media statement Labor acknowledged Ms McGurk’s work in opposing the Perth Freight Link, hinting she might get the vacant shadow transport spot.

“Regardless of whether I get the transport portfolio, I will continue to work closely with the community in their fight against the freight link,” Ms McGurk says.

“I will be happy with any portfolio, but have experience in women’s interests in the workplace, social justice, and heritage and arts, which ties in with my Fremantle electorate.”

Prior to her election in 2013—regaining Fremantle for Labor after its one-term stint in the hands of Green-turned independent Adele Carles—Ms McGurk was secretary of UnionsWA, WA’s peak trade union body, and served as an official for the United Voice union.

Long-touted as a future leader, Mr Tinley—the party’s state president and MP for Willagee—has been itching to get back to the front bench all year. The decorated former SAS commander had stood aside as shadow housing minister in 2012 to deal with a family business investment that had gone pear-shaped.

This reshuffle was triggered by last month’s surprise decision of shadow transport minister Ken Travers to step down from the front bench.

by STEPHEN POLLOCK