Skills shortage continues

April 24, 2008, 7:30pm,  126 views

Key challenges for the Western Australian resources sector of skills shortages and greenhouse call for highly engaged governments and regulators.

That’s the view of the WA Chamber of Minerals and Energy president Kim Horne.

Addressing the chamber’s 107th annual general meeting, Mr Horne said the State’s buoyant and resilient resources sector could be undermined if these challenges are not addressed in a considered way.

“Global commodity markets have proved remarkably resilient in the face of turmoil in the financial and equity markets and Western Australia remains very well placed to capitalise on resource demand,” Mr Horne said.

“Competition for labour is as intense as ever, and skilled migration needs to continue to be part of the mix if we are to realise the State’s potential.

“The resources sector will continue to work closely with Governments to ensure that greenhouse mitigation strategies do not lead to the perverse outcome of damaging this State’s resources sector and rewarding competitors in non-compliant jurisdictions.”

CME Chief Executive, Mr Reg Howard-Smith says the industry has encountered significant changes in its operating environment over the past year.

“The change in Federal Government and the consequent altered policy settings has seen CME on the front foot engaging at the highest levels with the Rudd Government,” Mr Howard-Smith said.