Western Australia’s internationally acclaimed medical, biotechnical and innovative research and development has received a major shot in the arm from the state’s new boss.
Western Australia’s internationally acclaimed medical, biotechnical and innovative research and development has received a major shot in the arm from the state’s new boss.
Premier Alan Carpenter told WA Business News that “more emphasis would be placed on these areas so that when the inevitable slowdown in resources happens, they will be ready”.
“We’ve got internationally famous people like Nobel Prize winners Professor Barry Marshall and Dr Robin Warren, and anti-burns developer Dr Fiona Wood right here in WA,” he said.
The premier, 49, said their research and that of other small companies and organisations were producing world best practice innovations”worth millions and millions of dollars.”
Mr Carpenter’s comments coincide with a major innovation feature that begins on page 11 of this issue of WA Business News.
While leading edge R&D would get a new priority, the Premier flagged the continuing crucial importance of the booming resources sector by retaining an economic role in the state development portfolio he held for a year before his elevation.
Mr Carpenter said the economic development of the state was something the Premier had to be directly involved with and the dual role fulfilled that need.
In 2004-2005, the resources sector paid the state a record $1.25 billion in royalties. It was while Mr Carpenter was state development minister that he established the new streamlined approvals process for major projects, with a direct line to the premier.
“That will continue, so the direct interest will remain with me,” he said.
Mr Carpenter said he had a good relationship with the WA business community.
“My basic philosophy is that we need a good strong economy, therefore we need good strong businesses, otherwise, everything else that Labor governments want can’t be done,” he said.
“I’ll be straight forward and supportive, but we will do things with an eye to other issues, such as the environment and good process.”
The premier said he supported business migration and increased migration in general as a way of resolving the current skills shortage, one of the barriers to the state’s further economic expansion.
“We would appreciate some more help from the Commonwealth government on the whole issue of migration, particularly to resolve the skilled and professional labour needs we have in WA,” he said.
“We’ve got virtual full employment in WA at the moment but there are some major projects that may be affected by getting or not getting the labour they need.”
Mr Carpenter reiterated his opposition to uranium mining and export along party lines but added he would watch the national and international debate, particularly in regard to future energy needs and waste disposal.
“If that position required change, I would look at it,” he said.
The premier also said he would not take the treasurer’s role.
“Eric Ripper is the best treasurer WA has had in 25 years. Why would I change that?” he said.
WA Chamber of Commerce and Industry director Bob Pride said personal and business tax reduction was at the top of its wish list.
“We have high expectations for the state tax review currently being carried out by Treasury that will shape tax reform over the next five years,” he said.
It is understood the review will take submissions for another month. The Property Council of Australia is also looking for tax cuts in the next budget, along with more infrastructure spending and a scythe through government red tape.
On the tax cuts, PCA WA executive director Joe Lenzo said the government was “making all the right noises”.
Both Mr Carpenter and Mr Ripper have indicated there is room for some tax relief but don’t know how much at this stage.
On the resources front, the Association of Mining and Exploration Companies wants tax relief aimed at cranking up greenfields exploration in the state, which has fallen about six per cent during the past three years.
AMEC chief executive Justin Walawski said the state was living on borrowed time.
The Labor Party caucus is scheduled to meet again next Tuesday to discuss ministerial positions.
Mr Carpenter is expected to allocate portfolios ahead of a swearing-in ceremony next week.