WA to establish hub in Canberra to represent resources sector

The WA State Government will establish a hub in Canberra to represent its resources sector on a national scale.

While there is widespread acceptance within WA of the significant economic contribution of the state’s mining and resources sector, there is limited awareness or appreciation beyond the borders.

The Chamber of Minerals and Energy of WA (CME) chief executive Rebecca Tomkinson said the hub will increase the effectiveness of the advocacy efforts of CME and other industry groups in the eastern states.

“We [CME] discussed with the State Government the benefits of establishing a shared space in Canberra to enable the Government and WA’s peak body industries to collaborate and work together to ensure the best strategic outcomes are delivered for the state,” she said.

“As revealed earlier this year, an analysis of 71 WA resources sector companies found the State’s mining, energy and contractor industries contributed a direct $98.98b to Australia’s economy in 2021-22 and directly employed more than 69,000 full-time Australians.

“While Western Australians have a great awareness of the significant contribution of the WA mining and resources sector, those in the eastern states don’t share the same level of appreciation for our contribution — which is risky when you consider the amount of reforms and decisions being made at a federal level.”

The Chamber of Minerals and Energy will work closely with the WA State Government over the next few months to establish the hub in Canberra.