Western Australia Enhances Influence on Federal Government with Canberra Hub
The Western Australian government has launched an initiative to establish a hub in Canberra, the capital city of Australia, to strengthen its influence on the federal government. The move is aimed at allowing state agencies, industries, and advocacy groups to have a better platform for lobbying and shaping public policies and funding decisions.
Premier Roger Cook expressed the need for Western Australia to remind Canberra of its pivotal role as the nation’s economic engine. He emphasized the importance of shifting away from the historical dominance of the eastern states in the nation’s capital. The establishment of a state embassy in Canberra is seen as a significant step towards achieving this goal.
The Chamber of Minerals and Energy (CME) of Western Australia has welcomed the government’s initiative. CME CEO Rebecca Tomkinson highlighted the need for increased visibility and influence in Canberra to ensure that public policy and funding decisions take into account the significant contribution of the Western Australian mining and resources sector to the national economy.
While Western Australians acknowledge the vital role played by the mining and resources sector in their state, there is a lack of awareness and appreciation outside of Western Australia. Tomkinson noted that it becomes risky when considering the magnitude of federal-level reforms and decisions being made without representing the interests of Western Australia adequately.
The CME has consistently advocated for a stronger Western Australian voice in Canberra. The establishment of a shared space in the heart of the nation’s capital will enable the government and Western Australia’s peak industry bodies to collaborate effectively and pursue the best strategic outcomes for the state.
An analysis conducted earlier this year revealed that the Western Australian mining, energy, and contractor industries contributed a direct A$98.98 billion to Australia’s economy in the fiscal year 2021-2022. These industries also employed over 69,000 full-time Australians. Despite these significant contributions, Eastern states have limited awareness and appreciation for Western Australia’s role, highlighting the necessity for greater representation at a national level.
The plan to establish a hub in Canberra is a positive step towards addressing these challenges. By elevating Western Australia’s visibility in the nation’s capital, the state aims to strengthen its voice and ensure its interests are well represented in federal decision-making processes. This move is crucial to safeguarding Western Australia’s future and securing the best outcomes for the state’s economy and its people.
The establishment of the Canberra hub serves as a reminder to the federal government that Western Australia is a vital pillar of the nation’s economy. It highlights the state’s determination to play an influential role in shaping policies and securing funding that will benefit not only Western Australians but the entire country.
As the hub takes shape, Western Australia is positioning itself to become a force to be reckoned with on the federal stage. The state’s commitment to unwinding decades of eastern states’ centric thinking and attitudes will undoubtedly have far-reaching implications on future policy decisions. With a strong presence in Canberra, Western Australia is poised to articulate its unique challenges, opportunities, and aspirations, ensuring that the nation as a whole thrives.
