CCIWA has vowed to continue advocating on behalf of WA businesses on a range of key issues following the re-election of the Federal Labor Party this month.
It comes as Prime Minister Anthony Albanese today announced his new-look Cabinet, which included replacing Minister Tanya Plibersek in the environment portfolio with Senator Murray Watt.
Minister Plibersek, who moves to social services, oversaw the controversial ‘Nature Positive’ laws, which have been slammed by industry groups including CCIWA. During the election campaign, the Prime Minister said he would further consult industry on the laws.
Two WA MPs have been appointed to Cabinet – Resources Minister Madeleine King has retained her portfolio, while Dr Anne Aly has been elevated to the inner ministry to oversee small business, international development and multicultural affairs.
CCIWA CEO Peter Cock said the fact that both major parties spent a considerable amount of time campaigning in WA highlights the State’s economic contribution to the nation.
“WA’s resources sector drives the quality of life enjoyed by all Australians,” he said. “It was great to see this recognised so clearly throughout the election campaign.”
WATCH: CCIWA’s Federal Election video series
Dr Cock said there were a number of critical issues facing businesses and the WA economy in the federal sphere, and CCIWA, whilst continuing to work productively with the government, will advocate strongly on behalf of WA businesses.
“Australia needs a more flexible industrial relations system that will better support businesses and job creation,” he said.
“We will seek assurances from the Government that they will step in when industrial disputes escalate, including in our mining heartland, the Pilbara.”
Back to the drawing board
Dr Cock said CCIWA welcomed the Prime Minister’s commitment to go back to the drawing board on ‘Nature Positive’.
“It is critical for WA that these reforms strike the right balance,” he said.
“We will work with government to deliver approval reforms that are better for business and better for the environment.”
North West Shelf Project. Image: Woodside Energy
On gas, Dr Cock said CCIWA would continue to urge to federal government to expedite the approval of the North West Shelf extension project.
“The Prime Minister acknowledged while he was in WA that increasing gas supplies was essential and in the national interest, and that’s precisely what the North West Shelf extension project will do,” he said.
Dr Cock acknowledged the looming battle on the GST distribution, with the deal that secured WA’s fair share up for review in the next 12 months.
“Although the Prime Minister has guaranteed there will be no change, we expect a fierce campaign from over east, where governments have failed to develop their own economies,” he said.
CCIWA would also continue to pursue policies that deliver practical help to WA businesses amid rising costs, more complex regulation and declining productivity.
“Australia desperately needs a suite of reforms to slash red tape, encourage private investment and increase flexibility for all businesses,” Dr Cock said.
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