Western Australian Liberal Leader Liza Harvey has failed to appoint a Shadow Minister for Asian Engagement in her recent Shadow Cabinet reshuffle.
The Liberals’ decision demonstrates a lack of understanding in WA’s economic priorities and poses a direct threat to jobs and economic growth of the State.
More than one in five jobs in the Australian economy is involved in trade-related activities, a figure which is likely to be much higher in WA.
The failure overlooks the fact that Asia represents nine out of ten of WA’s top trading partners, with more than $129 billion in exports going from WA to Asia in 2019, while $500 billion of investment was injected into our State from Asia over the past eight years.
In contrast, the McGowan Labor Government elevated the Asian Engagement portfolio to Cabinet when it came to Government in 2017.
The McGowan Government continues to deliver on its election promise and commitment to diversify the economy into Asian markets and create jobs.
Asia currently represents 42 per cent of the world’s economy, and is growing rapidly.
By 2050, the region directly to WA’s north will represent more than half the global economy.
The McGowan Government has invested in international education and tourism, and is directly supporting small to medium businesses to enter or expand their trade and investment with Asian markets across our six priority sectors.
As stated by Asian Engagement Minister Peter Tinley:
“The decision not to appoint a Shadow Minister is a blatant disregard for our State’s economy and our deep economic connection to Asia.
“The Liberals need to explain why they’ve overlooked this economic relationship.
“WA must do business in the world’s fastest growing and most competitive economic region – Asia.
“This is just another embarrassing oversight by the Liberals and it needs to be reviewed immediately.
“We recognise the rise of the Asian region as the biggest economic, social and cultural opportunity for WA this century.
“Our people-to-people, business-to-business and sector-to-sector relationships with Asia have grown and strengthened over the past three years by this Government’s Cabinet-level focus on the region.”
Minister’s office – 6552 5300
