Chris Rodwell

CCIWA CEO

The Chamber of Commerce and Industry WA welcomes the appointment of the new Western Australian Cabinet today.

We recognise Premier Mark McGowan’s decision to assume dual responsibility as Treasurer. During his first term, the Premier played a critical role in improving the State finances and is well-placed to continue to improve the State’s operational position, and to further progress WA’s strategy for debt management. There has rarely been a better foundation to grow and diversify our economy with a concerted program of tax and regulatory reform. The role of Treasurer will be critical in that effort.

We also note the additional responsibility for economic development provided to Minister Roger Cook in the portfolio of State Development, Jobs and Trade. Western Australia has a pressing need to strengthen our international engagement, seeking new or lapsed markets for our products and to source new business investment. Overall foreign direct investment to Australia declined 46% in 2020 and non-mining investment in WA has fallen in seven of the past eight years. As the State’s economic development strategy evolves, Minister Cook’s responsibilities for medical research will be important to help build a stronger life sciences community in our State.

WA also confronts significant skills shortages, with more than one third of WA businesses citing it as a primary barrier to their growth. We recognise the continued responsibilities of Minister Sue Ellery in the Education and Training portfolio, and particularly highlight the recommendations developed by CCIWA to make it easier for WA mothers to return to the workforce, a vital ingredient in unlocking the full potential of the local workforce.

CCIWA welcomes the investment of these and other important portfolios in proven Ministers of the last Parliament, and we look forward to working with the entire Cabinet to advance WA’s best economic interests. The private sector is responsible for six in seven jobs in Western Australia and it is critical we do all we can to foster entrepreneurship in our State.