The Chamber of Minerals and Energy of Western Australia (CME) notes the outcomes of this week’s Economic Reform Roundtable, which include a range of Commonwealth commitments to speed up project approvals and reduce regulatory complexity.
At the conclusion of the roundtable, Treasurer Jim Chalmers announced several measures the Federal Government intends to quickly pursue, including accelerating passage of EPBC legislation, abolishing unnecessary tariffs and regulations, improving the investor “Front Door” and enhancing information sharing between government agencies.
CME Chief Executive Officer Rebecca Tomkinson said the resources sector remained committed to reform of the EPBC Act but that transparent and genuine consultation was critical to ensure the new laws delivered better outcomes for both the environment and for business.
“It is vital the government does not rush to introduce legislation ahead of an arbitrary and self-imposed deadline,” Ms Tomkinson said.
“Robust and considered consultation is the best way to develop enduring and workable reforms that meaningfully speed up project assessments without sacrificing environmental protections.
“If we can get these reforms right, we will attract a tidal wave of productivity-enhancing investment in Australia’s resources and energy sectors.
“But if we get them wrong, we risk getting left behind as competing nations leapfrog Australia and reap the immense economic rewards on offer through the energy transition.”
CME welcomes the Federal Government’s stated intention to support the deployment of artificial intelligence to improve business productivity and the delivery of public services.
“AI has huge potential to rapidly improve both output and safety in a wide range of sectors, including mining and energy,” Ms Tomkinson.
“Businesses should be encouraged to explore how AI can be integrated into their operations to allow workers to shift their focus to more productive and higher value tasks.
“It is also important both State and Federal governments plan for the data centres required to fully harness the power of AI – which means maintaining a strong focus on delivering energy that is low-emission, reliable and competitively priced.”
Ms Tomkinson said plans to harmonise State and Territory standards and simplify the migration system were also pleasing outcomes from the roundtable.
“A tradie or engineer licensed in one State should be able to work anywhere in the country,” Ms Tomkinson said.
“Breaking down barriers to workforce mobility is an important avenue to improve productivity, as is attracting high-skilled migrant workers who bring new knowledge and fill capability gaps.”
Media contacts:
Josh Zimmerman j.zimmerman@cmewa.com / 0404 947 719
Natasha Mutch n.mutch@cmewa.com / 0435 383 382
