Future of WA regional commissions in doubt

Concerns WA's nine Regional Development Commissions will become remote outposts of the new centralised department has prompted the state Nationals leader to demand clarification from the minister responsible.

Nationals leader Mia Davies said chief executives of each commission have been told they would lose their jobs and their positions would be dumped or moved to Perth.

"If this is true, then it has taken less than two months in power for Labor to undermine regional development in this state by centralising senior positions in Perth," she said.

Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan rejected the concerns, saying the government would retain Regional Development Commission boards and leadership positions.

"As part of the public service renewal, development commission staff will be employed by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development. This will ensure the skills and talent across the commissions and regions are brought together under one umbrella," she said.