WA Labor unveils reshuffled shadow cabinet

The West Australian opposition has reshuffled its shadow cabinet, prompted by Ken Travers moving from transport spokesman to the backbench.

Someone will be shunted if Labor wins the 2017 state election, given it now has 18 MPs in its shadow cabinet and the constitution limits the number of ministers to 17.

WA Labor leader Mark McGowan told AAP a well-stocked shadow cabinet was common, with his predecessor Geoff Gallop presiding over more than 30 opposition spokespeople before he became premier.

"I don't see it as a problem - we've got plenty to choose from," Mr McGowan said.

New to the frontbench are Right-aligned Peter Tinley, whose portfolio comprises science, trade, lands, Gascoyne, Goldfields-Esperance and the newly created Asian engagement responsibility.

Left-aligned Simone McGurk has also been promoted, gaining community services, children's interests and women's interests.

Deputy leader Roger Cook, who previously held science, is now solely focused on health.

Sue Ellery has dropped children's interests and zeroed in on education.

Labor said Mr Cook and Ms Ellery's stand-alone portfolios acknowledge the party's commitment to health and education.

"Nothing is more important at the state level than a government's commitment to the health of its citizens and the education of its children," Mr McGowan said.

Mr Travers' portfolio has been split between three people.

Rita Saffioti takes on transport and infrastructure, Mick Murray gains agriculture and food, and David Templeman adds Wheatbelt and Mid West.

Other new responsibilities are ports, which goes to Bill Johnston, and information and communications technology, which Kate Doust gains.

Mr McGowan said ICT requires a special focus as a report has shown WA is Australia's worst at maximising the value of the sector, while ports are obviously strategic assets to the export-focused state.

"This is a great team and a strong line-up of talent that will hold the Barnett government to account," he said.