AusLeisure

The newly elected Western Australian Government has announced the creation of a series of Industry Engagement Consortiums designed to strengthen working relationships between industry and government to create jobs and grow the economy.

With consortiums planned for defence industries, agribusiness, international education, manufacturing, aquaculture, creative industries, mining, engineering technology and energy, the first of the new groups will focus on tourism, a key component of new State Government's ‘Plan for Jobs’.

The consortiums will allow industry stakeholders to provide important feedback on the Western Australian Government's key election commitments and outcomes that will feed into future decision-making.

Most of the forums will be facilitated by former Rio Tinto Chief Executive Sam Walsh.

Launching the Tourism Industry Engagement Consortium today, Western Australian Mark McGowan said it was fitting tourism was first cab off the rank, with the new Government committing $425 million to destination marketing and events over the next five years and elevating its importance in diversifying the State's economy.

Premier McGowan stated “we want to take industry with us, so it's important to consult with key stakeholders and work together.

"The industry consortiums will focus on industries that drive economic development and create jobs for Western Australians."

Tourism Minister Paul Papalia added “tourism is a key economic driver for WA and plays a vital role in diversifying the State's economy and creating new jobs.

"It is one of the few areas where the State Government can invest taxpayers' dollars and get a positive economic return in business opportunities and jobs.

"In 2015/16, $50 in visitor spend was generated from every $1 of Tourism WA expenditure in cooperative marketing campaigns.

"The tourism sector already supports 97,000 jobs and we are committed to increasing that number."

Tourism Council WA has welcomed the creation of the Tourism Industry Engagement Consortium, with Chief Exectuive Evan Hall “the tourism industry has long sought an avenue for ongoing high level engagement with senior Ministers and officials.

“The industry is delighted that tourism is the first industry consortium to be convened by the Government.” 

Image: Wave Rock, Hyden, Western Australia

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