Biography
The daughter of Calabrian post-war migrants, Rita Saffioti was raised in the family orchard in Roleystone.
Rita's professional background is in economics, having worked in Treasury in Canberra and then for the WA Government, before working directly for Premier's Gallop and Carpenter in the previous State Government, ultimately as Chief of Staff.
Rita was elected to State Parliament in 2008, and joined Mark McGowan's Shadow Cabinet team in 2013.
Following the Labor election victory in March 2017, she was appointed the Minister for Transport; Planning, giving her the opportunity to deliver to a more integrated approach to transport and planning, and responsibility for delivering important commitments including the METRONET project and planning for the future Outer Harbour.
Rita is married with three young children, a six year old and five year old twins. They keep her busy but also focused on making sure we continue to make Western Australia a better place to live.
When not at Parliament or with her family, Rita can usually be found at the footy cheering on her team, the Fremantle Dockers.