The WA economy has enjoyed extraordinary success during the COVID-19 pandemic, but the State Government needs to look beyond the resources sector for future economic growth, CCIWA says in its 2021-22 Pre-Budget Submission.
Detailed recommendations for the 2021-22 State Budget are underpinned by the strong view that WA must take the opportunity now to diversify.
In its Pre-Budget Submission, CCIWA renews calls for reforms to limit costs for business, secure a skilled workforce and efficient infrastructure, reduce red tape to stoke innovation and investment, and position WA as a more attractive place to invest.
The submission also includes CCIWA’s alternative model for payroll tax, with a higher threshold of $1.2 million and a tapering rebate on liabilities.
And with four in five (79 per cent) of WA businesses struggling to fill a vacant role, CCIWA has called for kindergarten funding reform to make it easier for WA mothers to re-enter work.
It has recommended the State Government accepts Commonwealth reforms that would see $1340 in Federal funding reaching WA kindy kids, regardless of whether they attend kindy at school or centre-based day care.
CCIWA has also called for more resources to manage the transition to new workplace health and safety laws, more competition between energy retailers, and funding for the digitisation of government services.
Read the full Pre-Budget Submission here.
“Temporary factors are lined up in WA’s favour now, from high commodity prices, low interest rates, stimulus-fuelled homebuilding and the State Government’s success at managing COVID,” said CCIWA CEO Chris Rodwell.
“CCIWA’s national survey shows Eastern States businesses are looking more favourably at WA as an investment destination. None of this will last forever.
“Some in our State say that full advantage was not taken to build a legacy from our last temporary growth surge. There may never be better or more opportune times for this Government to cultivate conditions for a more competitive, innovative and diverse WA economy for the long term.”
Watch our Pre-Budget Submission videos featuring our Economics & Policy team.
For advice and guidance running your business, contact CCIWA’s Employee Relations Advice Centre on (08) 9365 7660 or email [email protected].
