'Think-tank' to study ways to increase employment

11/3/94

Private enterprise and the State Government will work together in a unique 'think-tank', to investigate innovative ways to increase employment in Western Australia.

A high-powered committee of senior Government Ministers and prominent business people was formed late last year to develop new ideas to create jobs and to tackle long-term unemployment.

Employment and Training Minister Norman Moore said today an interim committee was formed late last year, and five prominent business people would now become involved.

Mr Moore said the new members of the State employment committee were:

·       Ms Robyn Ahern, director, Aherns;

·       Mr George Benny, general manager of the Hyatt Regency Hotel;

·       Ms Liz Davenport, director, Davenport Trading Company;

·       Mr Kim Schlunke, chief executive officer of the Orbital Engine Company;

·       Mr Geoff Venables, proprietor of John Venables Pty Ltd.

The committee is chaired by Premier Richard Court and includes Deputy Premier Hendy Cowan, the Minister for Commerce and Trade; Education, Employment and Training Minister Norman Moore; Resources Development Minister Colin Barnett and Labor Relations Minister Graham Kierath.

Mr Moore said the think-tank would work to build on the economic recovery which had seen 42,600 jobs created in this State in the past 12 months - representing twice the national jobs growth rate.  In the past year WA had contributed to 20 per cent of the jobs growth in Australia.

The committee's task is to develop policies and strategies to alleviate unemployment through the promotion of economic development and reforms to the industrial relations system. It would look to improved links between specific industry development and vocational training to ensure the availability of appropriately skilled labour.

"This group will access world-wide advice and best practice to develop ways of encouraging economic growth and development in Western Australia, with a view to maximising employment opportunities in this State," the Minister said.

"The WA economy now appears to be well on the way to recovery, bringing with it strong employment growth, and we need to capitalise on this with innovative approaches and fresh ideas."

Media contact:  Ross Storey 321 1444  222 9595