Next week, Roger Cook will be sworn in as Western Australia's 31st Premier of Western Australia and with that comes a once-in-a-generation chance to help improve the fortunes of Aboriginal people like never before.

As Mark McGowan departs, Cook will inherit a super-majority of the Parliament and billions in coffers. As the hopes and aspirations of millions rely on his leadership, he has an opportunity to address any issue he wishes, change any legislation and build whatever he likes.

And for the Mob, Roger might just be person we've needed all along.

In Cook's inaugural speech to WA's Legislative Assembly 15 years ago, he was part of a rare cohort back then who acknowledged Country. He has been a constant champion to right the historical injustice which Aboriginal people have faced, and notably his partner Carly Lane is Indigenous. It could be argued that in the history of our state, Cook would be one of the most aware and engaged Labor Premiers when it comes to the issues facing Aboriginal people.

And there are issues a plenty.

Banksia Hill stands at the top of the list of what should be given immediate attention to be addressed. The broader issues surrounding Aboriginal youth justice and Closing the Gap all need leadership and attention.

It might be at this rare moment in history, with so many issues deserving his attention, that Cook decides to take on the important Aboriginal Affairs portfolio together with being Premier. Such a move would make him only the second Premier in WA's history to do so.

In the days since McGowan's shock resignation announcement, much has been made of Cook in filling the shoes of such a popular public figure. It's a bit like Truman taking the Presidency after the somewhat-unexpected death of FDR. At the time, FDR was the most popular President in US history, that is until he was succeeded by Truman.

Truman was a reluctant occupant of the White House, famously never wanting the job. The farmer from Missouri didn't have a vision or a grand plan for his country, but he knew who he was and what he believed in. Eventually Americans found in him a President who made decisions that reflected his innate beliefs in supporting everyday people, particularly the disadvantaged. Truman enacted expansions to social security, built record levels of social housing, and ended segregation in the armed forces - in some sense paving the way for the US Civil Rights movement.

There is the opportunity for Cook to make similarly important social decisions to support our most vulnerable and dejected. After being ignored by the increasingly imperial McGowan, WA stands on the precipice of installing a Premier who at his core believes in the importance of Aboriginal people being not just part of the conversation, but part of the solution, together.

Zak Kirkup is of Yamatji heritage and is the former leader of the WA Liberal Party