Editorial: Anthony Albanese sets record straight at Resources Technology Showcase that WA crucial to economy

If there was ever any doubt about the importance of WA to the nation’s economy, then Anthony Albanese has set the record straight once and for all. The Prime Minister made the trip to Perth to visit the Resources Technology Showcase at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre on Sunday where he confirmed WA’s position as the “powerhouse of the national economy”. “The resources sector are front and centre — they are so important,” Mr Albanese said. They’ve powered Australia in the 20th century, and as we transition, it’s continuing to power Australia in the 21st century.” “We want to see a more productive, a more vibrant, a more dynamic Australian economy, and WA is front and centre of that. “It’s one of the reasons why I’ve taken my Cabinet after the election here in Perth, we went to Port Hedland during the last term, and we’ll be back in Perth again before the end of the year for a full Cabinet meeting. “Because we understand that the jobs and the economic activity that is created here in the west is so important.” And as the Federal Government gears up for its productivity roundtable this week, the Prime Minister said the resources sector would be “front and centre” of that too, with the likes of BHP boss Geraldine Slattery due to join the talks. In the meantime, thousands of families and school children are expected to stream through the doors of the PCEC over the next few days to discover WA’s mining industry is not just about diggers and haul trucks. Instead, they will be immersed in interactive, hands-on activities highlighting the cutting-edge science and technology developed and deployed by WA’s world-leading resources sector. Mr Albanese said the event showcased the sector was always evolving. “(It is being) transformed by new technology, by artificial intelligence, but at the front, up front and centre of all of it is, of course, our labour force,” he said. “And the fact that young West Australians will come to this showcase over the coming days, (to) learn about the industry, have some hands on activities and experiences as well. “Looking at where they might work in the future and what contribution they will make. This is such an important area for the west, but also important for Australia.” For parents like Nadia Ghosh, the exhibition gave her hope that there will be jobs for her children in the future. “Technology is developing quickly and I think it’s easy to fall into thinking that jobs are going to be replaced but I do feel excited about what I’ve seen here,” she said. And for others, like father Alex Fuerst, it was a chance to show his kids what his own job entails. “I’m a geologist so it’s a bit hard to explain that work to young kids sometimes but this makes it a little easier,” he said. WA is often overlooked by our friends on the other side of the Nullarbor, but the importance we play in the country’s future economic prosperity should not be underplayed. And this year’s Resources Technology Showcase may just inspire a whole new generation to help fuel it.