Daniel Smith a contender for top bureaucrat’s job in Roger Cook’s office after departing from ReGen Strategic

A contender for the top bureaucrat’s job in Premier Roger Cook’s office has divested his business interests, raising expectations he could be appointed chief of staff after the State election in March. Daniel Smith confirmed on Monday that he has departed ReGen Strategic, the corporate communications company he founded in 2011. In a statement, he announced “a transition in ownership” with business partner Anthony Fisk taking over as sole shareholder. Mr Smith said he is looking forward to family time over the summer and would not confirm his future career plans but, when contacted by The West Australian, he did not deny interest in the role as Mr Cook’s right hand. “I won’t rule anything out,” he said. “I’m aware of rumours, but first I’m just going on a break.” Mr Smith previously worked as Premier Roger Cook’s understudy at public relations agency CPR and has praised his “strong values” and “ability to think big picture”. Mr Cook’s current chief of staff is Daniel Pastorelli who was endorsed as WA Labor’s candidate for Landsdale in April. A spokesperson for the Premier said “hypothetical” future employment decisions are not being considered. “The Premier’s chief of staff continues in the role full-time and will take leave from the role as necessary in 2025,” the spokesperson said. If elected, Mr Pastorelli will take over from retiring Labor MP Margaret Quirk who retained the seat of Landsdale with a 9.7% margin in 2021.