CCIWA joined the State Government and other industry groups in Canberra this week to open a new WA home base in the nation’s capital.
Left to right: Bennie Ng (AMA WA), Michael McGowan (HIA), Warren Pearce (AMEC), Cath Hart (REIWA), Premier Roger Cook, CCIWA CEO Chris Rodwell, Rebecca Tomkinson (CME), Matthew Pollard (MBA WA).
Officially opened by Premier Roger Cook, the Government’s Canberra Hub will be a critical part of a new Canberra Strategy to ensure WA’s interests are at the heart of the Federal Government’s agenda.
The Canberra Strategy sets out a number of current key State Government priorities, including:
- WA’s unique decarbonisation journey, as part of the national 2050 Net Zero Plan;
- Increased investment in clean energy infrastructure, industry, and skills;
- A streamlined national environmental approval system that supports future projects and provides better environmental outcomes;
- Clarity on national defence objectives so WA can maximise its competitive advantages and opportunities;
- Maintaining the current GST arrangements, and;
- Continued partnership with the Federal Government on key infrastructure projects, including shared risks.
Providing a space for in-person meetings, the hub will facilitate collaboration with Commonwealth and other State and Territory Governments, and is available for use by peak bodies, including CCIWA, WA industry, not-for-profits, and advocacy organisations.
It will help to champion WA’s priorities, enhance relationships, and improve outcomes for all West Australians.
The State Government has invested around $150,000 to establish the Canberra Hub.
“WA is the powerhouse of the Australian economy, but its size and diversity present unique opportunities and challenges that are exacerbated by our distance from Canberra,” said Premier Cook.
“Perth is as close to Jakarta as it is the nation’s capital, so we must work hard to ensure the State’s interests are at the forefront of the national agenda, and demonstrate how much WA can offer the nation.”
CCIWA CEO Chris Rodwell, who attended the Canberra Hub opening, said the hub offered a central place for industry groups “to come and share intelligence”.
To be part of WA’s peak business organisation, get in touch via 1300 422 492 or [email protected].
