CCIWA has welcomed the appointment of the new State Cabinet, noting a focus on economic diversification, energy transition, future jobs and manufacturing.
The chamber’s key priorities for the coming term of Government in WA include:
- Payroll tax relief for businesses being squeezed by rising costs.
- Holding the government to account for removing green tape in environmental approvals.
- Providing the skilled staff businesses need through tackling skills shortages that hold back growth and stifle innovation.
- Ensuring WA businesses have reliable cost-competitive energy throughout the energy transition.
- Empowering business to diversify our economy to ensure we can capitalise on opportunities in battery minerals, defence, agriculture, space and artificial intelligence.
The new Cabinet includes several new portfolios, including an Economic Diversification portfolio under Premier Roger Cook, and a Manufacturing portfolio to be overseen by Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson.
The Premier said both were created to deliver the Government’s vision for a future that’s Made in WA.
Minister Sanderson will also move into the economic portfolios of energy and decarbonisation, skills and Tafe — all critical areas for the State.
In addition, the allocation of a dedicated Minister for each region in the State suggests a renewed focus on regional development issues with the Premier saying the primary responsibility of each Minister will be to ensure regional communities have access to local job opportunities, as well as the services and infrastructure they need.
It is also noted that Minister for Commerce Tony Buti will also oversee Tertiary and International Education, highlighting the importance of those sectors to the economy.
CCIWA will continue to advocate for the issues which are important to businesses in WA, and has written to the Premier and key Ministers to engage on our priority issues.
With vote counting still continuing, as of March 19 the Government holds 44 seats, the Liberal Party holds six, the Nationals four with five seats in doubt.
You can read more about CCIWA’s policy advocacy agenda here.
Cook Government Cabinet:
- Hon Roger Cook MLA Premier; Minister for State Development; Trade and Investment; Economic Diversification
- Hon Rita Saffioti MLA Deputy Premier; Treasurer; Transport; Sport and Recreation
- Hon Stephen Dawson MLC Minister for Regional Development; Ports; Science and Innovation; Medical Research; Kimberley
- Hon Jackie Jarvis MLC Minister for Agriculture and Food; Fisheries; Forests; Small Business; Mid West
- Hon Paul Papalia MLA Minister for Emergency Services; Corrective Services; Defence Industries; Veterans; Racing and Gaming
- Hon Dr Tony Buti MLA Attorney General; Minister for Commerce; Tertiary and International Education; Multicultural Interests
- Hon Simone McGurk MLA Minister for Creative Industries; Heritage; Industrial Relations; Aged Care and Seniors; Women
- Hon Amber-Jade Sanderson MLA Minister for Energy and Decarbonisation; Manufacturing; Skills and TAFE; Pilbara
- Hon John Carey MLA Minister for Planning and Lands; Housing and Works; Health Infrastructure
- Hon Don Punch MLA Minister for Aboriginal Affairs; Water; Climate Resilience; South West
- Hon Reece Whitby MLA Minister for Police; Road Safety; Tourism; Great Southern
- Hon Sabine Winton MLA Minister for Education; Early Childhood; Preventative Health; Wheatbelt
- Hon David Michael MLA Minister for Mines and Petroleum; Finance; Electoral Affairs; Goldfields-Esperance; Leader of the House
- Hon Hannah Beazley MLA Minister for Local Government; Disability Services; Volunteering; Youth; Gascoyne
- Hon Jessica Stojkovski MLA Child Protection; Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence; Assisting the Minister for Transport; Peel
- Hon Matthew Swinbourn MLC Minister for the Environment; Community Services; Homelessness
- Hon Meredith Hammat MLA Minister for Health; Mental Health
To be part of WA’s peak business organisation, get in touch via 1300 422 492 or membership@cciwa.com.
