The Chamber of Minerals and Energy of WA (CME) has congratulated new Cabinet members and appointments to the Cook Government’s latest ministry, and once again acknowledged the contribution of outgoing Minister, the Hon Bill Johnston MLA.
CME Chief Executive, Rebecca Tomkinson, said the Premier’s reshaped Cabinet afforded a fresh opportunity to continue discussions on accelerating WA’s approvals process and progress to achieve net zero.
“On behalf of CME and its members, I once again thank Minister Johnston for his service to the Western Australian community,” said Ms Tomkinson.
“Premier Cook’s addition of Hydrogen Industry to his portfolio is recognition of the strategic importance of WA in the energy transition, and we look forward to continuing to work with him under his integrated responsibilities for Federal-State Relations, State and Industry Development, Jobs and Trade.
“We also acknowledge Minister Reece Whitby’s addition of Energy to his existing Environment portfolio, as well as David Michael’s appointment as Mines and Petroleum Minister, which complements his responsibilities in the important portfolio of Ports.
“The minerals and energy sectors are part of WA’s DNA, so it is a huge responsibility to represent the potential of this state and promote our interests on the national and global stage.”
Ms Tomkinson also congratulated Hannah Beazley on her promotion to Cabinet.
Ms Tomkinson said the key issues that CME would continue to champion on behalf of its members included clearing the backlog of approvals; reducing duplication and inefficiencies between government agencies; articulating a clear regulatory framework; and providing the investment incentives and funding mechanisms that would maintain WA’s competitiveness.
“We look forward to continuing our discussions with the Cabinet team on ways to advance the WA mining and resources sector’s pivotal role in the global energy transition,” she said.
