Premier predicts 125,000 new jobs in next five years

11/2/03
The State Government is aiming to create more than 125,000 new jobs during the next five years.
Premier Geoff Gallop announced the jobs target today during a speech to mark the second anniversary of his Government.
Dr Gallop told a Business Roundtable lunch that 125,000 new jobs was a conservative target and the Government was confident it could do better.
He said the jobs target was based on continuing strong economic growth.
"We have already created just under 30,000 new jobs in our first two years and we are confident that we can do better as a State as we continue to attract more investment and more major projects," the Premier said.
"Our economic reform agenda with its focus on a more competitive energy market and a more streamlined approvals process will also assist in creating new jobs for Western Australians."
The Premier said his confidence was borne out by a recent Access Economics report, which predicted a 'growing development boom' in WA following a 'decade of lost opportunities'.
The Access Economics investment monitor also showed that total investment under construction or committed in WA totalled $14.4billion in the December quarter, an increase of 16.7 per cent over the previous quarter.
According to Access, WA could lay claim to 25 per cent of all of Australia's current and potential investment, by far the largest share of all the States.
Dr Gallop said economic development had been one of the major successes of his Government. Highlights included the $25billion LNG contract with China, the $400million HiSmelt project in Kwinana and the recent go-ahead for Burrup Fertiliser's $600million ammonium plant.
Premier's office: 9222 9475