Deloitte has appointed its WA managing partner Keith Jones to lead its Energy & Resources group.
Deloitte has appointed its WA managing partner Keith Jones to lead its Energy & Resources group.
Mr Jones takes over from Melbourne-based Phil Hopwood, who has been appointed to lead Deloitte's Global Mining industry group.
"WA is increasingly the epicentre of Australia's mining boom, and Deloitte is continuing to expand the services and expertise to support our clients as they look to expand, go offshore, merge and manage workforce and capital restraints, as well as deal with the Federal Government's controversial tax changes," Mr Jones said.
"According to recent ABARE figures, approximately $110 billion is approved and about to be spent on resource and energy projects currently under construction or committed in Australia, with another $200 to $400 billion in infrastructure still in feasibility stage but expected to be spent over the next five years.
"The economic fundamentals in Australia are very healthy, and the medium term outlook for resources and energy markets remains is strong," he said.
See statement from Deloitte below;
In a sign of the growing importance of the Western Australian resource sector, professional services firm Deloitte has appointed its WA managing partner, Keith Jones, to lead its Energy & Resources group in Australia.
Perth-based Mr Jones, who is also a member of the Deloitte Board, has an extensive background in the resource sector and specialises in audit, valuation, due diligence and advisory work across a wide spectrum of mining, oil and gas clients.
He takes over from Melbourne-based Phil Hopwood who has been appointed to lead Deloitte's Global Mining industry group as well as expanding his role as the global lead partner for BHP Billiton.
Mr Jones said Deloitte was working to expand its strong presence in the energy and resources sector, where there remained significant opportunities for Australian companies.
"WA is increasingly the epicentre of Australia's mining boom, and Deloitte is continuing to expand the services and expertise to support our clients as they look to expand, go offshore, merge and manage workforce and capital restraints, as well as deal with the Federal Government's controversial tax changes," Mr Jones said.
"According to recent ABARE figures, approximately $110 billion is approved and about to be spent on resource and energy projects currently under construction or committed in Australia, with another $200 to $400 billion in infrastructure still in feasibility stage but expected to be spent over the next five years."
The unprecedented interest in Australian resource companies from major economic powers such as China, Russia and India, is translating into significant demand in M&A, audit advisory, tax advisory and consulting with Australian resource and energy companies taking advantage of rising commodity prices driven by growing consumption.
"The economic fundamentals in Australia are very healthy, and the medium term outlook for resources and energy markets remains is strong," he said.
"There is some level of uncertainty at a political and policy level, and in early August, the Diggers and Dealers conference highlighted the importance of resolving the current tax uncertainty which is having an impact on the investment plans of the mid-cap miners," Mr Jones said.
"However, I believe Australian businesses have every reason to be confident about their future, and it is important they retain the agility to grasp the unfolding opportunities which may come their way.
Mr Jones, a chartered accountant, holds a Bachelor of Business and a Diploma in Applied Finance. He joined Deloitte in 1975 and has been a partner since 1985. In 1998, he was appointed as Deloitte's managing partner in West Australia. He also leads Deloitte's China services group and until recently WA's mining and resources group.
