- Western Australian Government's Canberra Hub now officially open
- WA Hub to support a new way of working with the Federal Government and interstate counterparts, and help to secure better outcomes for all Western Australians
- New Canberra Strategy part of Cook Labor Government's commitment to always do what is right for WA
Western Australians representing their State's interests on the national stage now have a new 'home base' to support their work in Canberra.
Premier Roger Cook today officially opened the WA Government's new Canberra Hub, located near the Australian Parliament, on Brisbane Avenue, alongside key members of 'Team WA' from across multiple levels of Government, peak bodies, business, unions, and not-for-profits.
The WA Hub is a critical part of the Cook Government's new Canberra Strategy to ensure WA's interests are at the heart of the Federal Government's agenda.
Launched today, the Canberra Strategy sets out a number of current key State Government priorities, including:
- WA's unique decarbonisation journey, as part of the national 2050 Net Zero Plan;
- Increased investment in clean energy infrastructure, industry, and skills;
- A streamlined national environmental approval system that supports future projects and provides better environmental outcomes;
- Clarity on national defence objectives so WA can maximise its competitive advantages and opportunities;
- Maintaining the current GST arrangements, and;
- Continued partnership with the Federal Government on key infrastructure projects, including shared risks.
Providing a space for in-person meetings, the hub will facilitate collaboration with Commonwealth and other State and Territory Governments, and is available for use by peak bodies, WA industry, not-for-profits, and advocacy organisations.
It will help to champion WA's priorities, enhance relationships, and improve outcomes for all Western Australians.
The State Government has invested around $150,000 to establish the Canberra Hub, with ongoing lease costs at about $100,000 per year.
Its design incorporates an open working space and meeting rooms, and showcases WA's diverse landscape.
Comments attributed to Premier and State and Industry Development, Jobs and Trade Minister Roger Cook
"WA is the powerhouse of the Australian economy, but its size and diversity present unique opportunities and challenges that are exacerbated by our distance from Canberra.
"Perth is as close to Jakarta as it is the nation's capital, so we must work hard to ensure the State's interests are at the forefront of the national agenda, and demonstrate how much WA can offer the nation.
"This important work will be made easier by our new Canberra Hub, a functional space that will serve as a home base for WA in the nation's capital.
"It's a key part of my Government's commitment to ensuring WA's voice is heard loud and clear in Canberra, and always doing what's right for WA."
