Media Releases
Increased Vibrancy May Increase Skills
24/01/12
Sunday trading may help erase Perth’s dullsville tag and attract people from the east coast to participate in the WA resources sector.
The Chamber of Minerals and Energy of Western Australia (CME) said the majority of people entering WA were from overseas not interstate.
“Despite the obvious economic prosperity occurring in WA, people from the east coast of Australia just aren’t making the move across the Nullarbor,” CME Chief Executive Reg Howard-Smith said.
“Historically, WA hasn’t been very good at attracting people from interstate and the latest ABS data shows this continuing. In 2011 WA’s population grew by 55,838 persons to just over 2.3million with net overseas migration contributing 55 per cent, natural increase contributing 33 per cent while interstate migration managed just 11 per cent.
“The ability to shop on a Sunday isn’t going to turn that around overnight but anything that adds to the vibrancy of the state adds to our ability to attract and retain workers.
“CME’s State Growth Outlook predicts an extra 33,000 skilled employees will be needed this year to work on the $300billion worth of resource projects either committed or underway in the state.
“To ensure the WA resources sector remains the powerhouse of the nation, we need anything that helps attract and retain people in the industry.”
CME welcomes the now bi-partisan support for Sunday trading and looks forward to its introduction.