New government leadership to drive WA priorities

The Chamber of Minerals and Energy (CME) chief executive Rebecca Tomkinson has been appointed as WA Agent General for the UK and Europe region.

As the first female CME chief executive in its 122-year history, Ms Tomkinson holds extensive leadership experience across WA’s public, private and not-for-profit sectors.

Appointed by the Governor of WA, the Agent General represents WA’s investment attraction and trade promotion efforts by assisting investors and businesses wanting to engage with WA’s industries, including the mining and renewable energy sectors.

Ms Tomkinson will oversee the development and implementation of strategic migration strategies in the UK to source skilled workers which are vital to support WA’s fast-growing population.

With $16.6b in bilateral trade in 2024, the UK and Europe was Australia’s fourth largest trading partner.

WA Premier Roger Cook says the Agent General serves a vital role in the region that continues to be an increasingly important investment and trade market for WA.

“The UK and Europe are critical to the diversification and decarbonisation of our State’s economy, with strong interest across a number of sectors, including energy, mining and the defence industries.

“Ms Tomkinson brings a proven track record as a passionate advocate for WA industry to the role, as well the energy and drive required to make the role a success.

“I have no doubt Ms Tomkinson will make a vital contribution to my government’s vision of WA remaining the strongest economy in the nation, and there being no better place to get a quality job.

Ms Tomkinson follows Angela Kelly, who is due to complete her nine-month term as Agent General this July.

Ms Kelly supported multiple WA businesses to pursue opportunities across a range of sectors, including energy, mining and mining equipment, technology and services companies (METS).

“Under Angela’s leadership, the London and Frankfurt offices have fostered strategic relationships with government and industry in key international markets, and we are incredibly grateful for her efforts,” Mr Cook said.

WA Department of Water and Environmental regulation deputy director general Chris Shaw has been appointed as the Department of Mines, petroleum and Exploration director general.

Mr Shaw has national experience in enhancing minerals and resources industries as well as extensive industry knowledge and a proven track record of managing complex negotiations to ensure delivery of major industry projects.

“The refreshed public sector leadership that I have announced today will help WA meet the opportunities and challenges associated with being the strongest economy in the nation, with the fastest growing population in the nation,” Mr Cook said.

“[WA Government] has a plan to make our economy more resilient by backing our resources sector, diversifying our economy and making more things here and the public sector leadership renewal I am announcing today will assist us to deliver on our commitments.”