Science minister for WA

Western Australia's new premier, Alan Carpenter, has created a portfolio for science and innovation.

The state's popular premier, Geoff Gallop, stood down from the position last month, blaming depression. Carpenter will retain his state development portfolio in his new cabinet, but said he had created the science and innovation portfolio to strengthen the government's focus on biotechnology, innovation, R&D and emerging technologies.

"These industries are among the fastest growing, most important sectors in the global economy and will play a growing part in the diversification of the state and national economies," Carpenter said in a statement.

The new portfolio will be headed by Francis Logan, the former housing minister, who will also take on the energy portfolio. English-born Logan moved to Western Australia in 1980, where he worked on mines in the Pilbara. He is the local member for Cockburn.

Kim Chance is to retain his agriculture portfolio, and will also assume responsibility for food, including food labelling.