• Submission recommends CPI-based increase for WA workers

The State Government's submission to the Western Australian Industrial Relations Commission's State Wage Case has recommended the State minimum wage be increased in line with the Consumer Price Index (CPI).

Commerce Minister Simon O'Brien said the Government recognised the importance of ensuring the incomes of workers who were dependent on minimum wages or award rates kept pace with the cost of living.

"It's also important in the current economic conditions that we support the viability and competitiveness of our small businesses," Mr O'Brien said.

"An inflation-based adjustment represents a balanced and sustainable outcome for employers and maintains the standard of living of workers in this State."

A copy of the WA Government's submission will soon be available on the Department of Commerce's Labour Relations website: http://www.commerce.wa.gov.au/LabourRelations

Fact File

• In 2011 the Western Australian Industrial Relations Commission granted a $19.90 per week increase to the State minimum and award pay rates
• This resulted in the current minimum wage of $607.10 per week, or $15.98 per hour

Minister's office - 6552 5800

• WA unemployment and youth unemployment rates lowest in nation
• Youth unemployment well below national average
• State Government's local industry participation initiatives have helped WA business to secure more than $17.7billion in contracts since July 2011

Commerce Minister Simon O'Brien has welcomed Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) figures showing Western Australia's youth unemployment fell from 16.2 per cent to 11.8 per cent in April.

WA's youth unemployment rate was well below the national average of 22.5 per cent, and was in stark contrast to Victoria and South Australia at 26 per cent and 29 per cent respectively.

"The strength of the WA figures relevant to the rest of the nation is proof that Western Australia is the best place to be if you are looking for a job," Mr O'Brien said.

The Minister said coupled with the State's drop in the overall unemployment rate to 3.8 per cent (seasonally adjusted) in April, the data demonstrated the success of the State Government's strategies to increase local content and create more jobs for West Australians.

"These statistics are proof that the unions' claims that this Government is not doing enough to create local jobs are completely unfounded," he said.

Initiatives introduced by this Government include the Industry Facilitation and Support Program (IFSP), which offers dollar-for-dollar financial assistance up to $25,000 to eligible small to medium-sized enterprises looking to supply to major resource projects under way in the State.

Mr O'Brien said 56 WA companies had received a share of more than $1.2million under the IFSP to date, with another 16 applications being assessed.

The Minister said despite the improvement in the rate of Western Australia's youth unemployment, the State Government would continue to work with industry stakeholders on ways of reducing this further.

The Liberal-National Government has invested heavily in workforce development and training and increased the total number of training places, and the number of apprentices and trainees enrolled in training, to record numbers during this term of Government.

Fact File

• WA's unemployment rate fell to 3.8% in April (from 4.1% in March), the lowest level since January 2009 & the lowest of all States
• WA's participation rate stands at 68.9%, the highest of all States and compares to 65.2% nationally
• For more information on the State Government's local industry participation initiatives, visit http://www.commerce.wa.gov.au/ScienceInnovation/Content/About_Us/Key_focus_areas/Local_industry_participation.html

Minister's office - 6552 5800

• BAE Systems completes construction of three mast modules for the Royal Australian Navy's new LHDs
• Work proves Australian Marine Complex's capability to service major defence projects
• Local content up to $17.7billion since July 2011

Commerce Minister Simon O'Brien today congratulated Australian Marine Complex-based (AMC) BAE Systems on delivering the mast modules for the Royal Australian Navy's Landing Helicopter Dock (LHD) vessels.

The three mast modules, weighing 19 to 36 tonnes, will house equipment such as communications and combat systems, navigation, radar, search and track sensors.

Mr O'Brien said the modules would leave the AMC bound for BAE's Williamstown shipyard, for installation on the 27,000-tonne LHD vessels.

"Construction of the modules began in September 2011. I understand that BAE Systems' decision to undertake this project in Western Australia was linked to the capabilities within their site at the AMC," he said.

"This contract is a further illustration of the AMC's ability to attract an impressive variety of work from world-class customers such as the Royal Australian Navy, mineral and energy projects, and public and private transport authorities.

"BAE Systems' confidence in WA and the AMC is demonstrated by the $8million upgrade to its facility currently under way, including a new office and the expansion of transport facilities."

The Minister said the LHD project demonstrated the State's capacity to support the defence industry, as outlined in this Government's submission to the Defence Force Posture Review.

The review's final report, released last week, supports State Government calls for a greater defence presence in Western Australia's North-West.

Fact File:

• The Australian Marine Complex is located at Henderson, 23km south of Perth, and is home to the biggest marine industry in Australia
• For more information about the activities under way at the AMC, visit http://www.australianmarinecomplex.com.au
• Visit http://www.defence.gov.au/oscdf/adf-posture-review/ for more information about the Defence Force Posture Review

Minister's office - 6552 5800

• AME Offshore Solutions has invested $3m to establish its new facility at Australian Marine Complex
• Local content up to $17.5billion since July 2011

Commerce Minister Simon O'Brien today officially opened AME Offshore Solutions new facility at the Australian Marine Complex (AMC) in Henderson.

AME's $3million investment in a state-of-the-art, purpose-built facility at the AMC will not only support the company's core engineering business, it will also allow the company to diversify and expand its suite of services offered to the local and international offshore industry.

Mr O'Brien said the Common User Facility at the AMC (AMC-CUF), equipped with a floating dock, self-propelled modular transporters, l50ha of lay-down area and five load-out wharves, played an important role in assisting Western Australian businesses to compete for major resource project contracts and succeed in the global business landscape.

"The AMC was developed to enhance the opportunities created by the clustering of like-minded and complementary companies and industry sectors," he said.

"This facility is one part of this Government's commitment to local content, which has now reached $17.5billion since our 10-point local content framework was released in July 2011.

"The many benefits of being located at the AMC, including close proximity to the AMC-CUF, have attracted AME to establish its new facility there and will enable the company to branch out and add inspection, maintenance and repair work services to its business activities.

"Having AME at the AMC is testament to the growth opportunities available for businesses in WA and the outstanding facilities available at the AMC-CUF."

Fact File

• AMC is located in Henderson, 23km south of Perth, home to the largest marine industry in Australia
• More than 150 businesses are located at the AMC
• For more information, visit http://www.australianmarinecomplex.com.au

Minister's office - 6552 5800

• State Government funding to better equip local steel fabrication industry

Commerce Minister Simon O'Brien today announced more that $82,000 in State Government funding to the Australian Steel Institute (ASI) to assist the Western Australian steel fabrication industry.

Mr O'Brien said the Government was conscious steel fabricators were in a tough battle to win local resource project contracts.

"While demand is strong, changes in technology, the increased presence of Asian fabrication yards and the strength of the Australian dollar are all impacting upon the competitiveness of local businesses," he said.

"This funding will enable ASI to engage expert assistance to consider how the industry could present 'value for money solutions' to project proponents.

"Potential strategies will include the possible formation of alliances and joint ventures, both within WA and with external partners."

The Minister said the Government was pleased to work with the ASI and its members on initiatives to enhance productivity and performance.

"It is important WA retains a viable steel fabrication, manufacturing and supply industry to service project requirements, during construction and operational phases," he said.

"This funding is a vital step in achieving a shared vision between industry, the Government and resource project proponents. The Government understands the concerns of the industry and will assist in managing change to maximise benefits.

"This strategy is in addition to our local content framework which has already resulted in more than $16.5billion of contracts going to local companies since July 2011.

"This translates into thousands of jobs for Western Australians, which is why we have the lowest unemployment rate of any Australian State."

Fact File

• This funding is part of the State Govt's Innovation Promotions Program supporting industry, science and innovation
• To find out what the State Govt is doing for local industry participation, visit http://www.commerce.wa.gov.au/localindustryparticipation

Minister's office - 6552 5800