- Premier hosts sixth of a series of Industry Engagement Consortiums to strengthen working relationships between industry and government to create jobs
- Creative industries consortium will focus on leveraging WA's creative talents to increase jobs and economic diversification for the State
- Creative industries are a key part of a new diverse economy and have emerged as a new dynamic sector in world trade
Premier Mark McGowan, Culture and the Arts Minister David Templeman and Planning Minister Rita Saffioti will join key representatives from the creative industries today to strengthen working relationships between industry and government to create jobs.
The creative industries consortium, the sixth in a series of Industry Engagement Consortiums to be hosted by the Premier, will focus on maximising the job creation opportunities offered by the creative industries.
The events assist industry stakeholders to provide important feedback on the McGowan Government's key election commitments, and outcomes will feed into future decision making.
Since 2008, employment in the creative industries in Australia has grown by 14 per cent, matched by a revenue growth of 13 per cent.
Australia's creative industries are expected to grow at a faster rate than GDP over the next five years, and by 2022, creative industry revenue in Australia is forecast to account for $115 billion.
In Western Australia, the creative industries experienced the equal highest annual State employment growth between 2006 and 2011, alongside Victoria at 3.2 per cent.
This was the equivalent employment growth to that of the overall WA economy for this period - demonstrating the potential of the creative industries to contribute to increased economic diversification in this State.
Comments attributed to Premier Mark McGowan:
"The creative industries represent a key area for economic growth and job creation in Western Australia.
"Our plan for the arts in WA will support new and emerging artists in a variety of fields and leverage our State's rich artistic culture, which will contribute to job creation both directly and indirectly through tourism, hospitality, festivals and events.
"To that end, we will be investing in a number of projects as part of our Local Projects, Local Jobs election commitments, including a $120,000 grant to community radio station RTRFM and progressing with the redevelopment of the Art Gallery of Western Australia rooftop."
Comments attributed to Culture and the Arts Minister David Templeman:
"We have some world-class creative people in Western Australia and the McGowan Government will ensure that, along with selling the magnificent landscapes of our State, we also sell the creative aspects of our community.
"This consortium will bring industry leaders together to focus on the strengths and opportunities for the sector; the current barriers to success; and outline the key strategic challenges to realising the potential of the creative industries in WA."
Comments attributed to Planning Minister Rita Saffioti:
"A core focus of this Government is avoiding a 'business as usual' approach to planning our communities - as shown with our METRONET plan.
"We know WA is full of people with ideas and skills that can help enhance the way we design our communities.
"That enthusiasm can be harnessed in planning for the long game - active place making, sustainable designs, consultation methods and so much more - it's all about creativity."
Premier's office - 6552 5000
Culture and the Arts Minister's office - 6552 5400
Planning Minister's office - 6552 5500
