Joint WA Gov't, TCL & CCI jobs forum to be held this month

10/9/97

The Western Australian Government, the Trades and Labour Council and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Western Australia today announced a united effort to ensure the State maximises the benefits of high levels of investment over the next decade and beyond.

Appearing on Perth radio together, the Premier, Lyndon Rowe, CCI Chief Executive and Tony Cooke, TLC Secretary, said that in a joint initiative a special 'Western Australian Jobs Forum' would be held this month in a bid to prepare the State for the challenges of the 21st century.

The 21st century held great promise for Western Australians. Development in the State remained in an active and expansive phase with investment valued at $40 billion over the next decade.

Mr Court said the jobs forum would be an opportunity to review the State's preparedness for future economic challenges.

"All the major players in the State economy are in agreement that maintaining industry competitiveness is vital if the State is to secure the full benefits of this healthy investment," the Premier said.

"The State will undergo many changes as a result of the anticipated investment growth and we have a responsibility to the future generations of Western Australians to take full advantage of the many opportunities that flow from that investment."

High investment levels in the State is expected to lead to an increased focus on exports which would require new emphasis on a number of areas including:

·      increased demand on production efficiencies and international competitiveness; and -

·      the need to ensure our industries had access to the latest technology and a highly skilled labour force.

Mr Court urged both the public and private sectors to get involved in the jobs forum on Friday September 19, 1997.

"The jobs forum is a positive way to work for a better future for all Western Australians and I commend the TLC and the CCI for their support of the initiative," the Premier said.

Organisations wanting to participate in the jobs forum could obtain a registration form from the CCI, TLC or the Department of Commerce and Trade.

Media contact: Casey Cahill (08) 9222 9475