State economy—Technological innovation
355. Mr Yaz Mubarakai to the Premier:
I refer to the Cook Labor government's commitment to ensure that Western Australia remains the strongest economy in the nation.
Can the Premier outline to the house how the government is supporting the development of new and emerging industries, and advise the house how this innovation is helping improve and diversify the Western Australian economy?
Mr Roger Cook replied:
I thank the member for Oakford for his question and I take the opportunity, Mr Speaker, to wish the Attorney General happy birthday.
Several members interjected.
The Speaker: Thank you, Premier. Members! Carry on, Premier.
Mr Roger Cook: Members will recall that yesterday in this chamber I remarked on the incredible technological advances in the resources industry. Because of the scale of the resources industry, we have a thriving ecosystem of local businesses and innovators. The skills, experience and expertise generated within the resources industry are indispensable. There is also an incredible opportunity to leverage those strengths and work to transfer them across to other sectors of our economy. It is an important part of diversifying the Western Australian economy. The local brainpower of workers that offers so much to mining can offer much to other sectors as well, whether that is in agriculture, space industries, clean energy, manufacturing or defence.
On defence, take local Bassendean business Hofmann Engineering as a great example. Hofmann Engineering began in 1969 with two brothers working out of their backyard. It now employs hundreds of people. Mr Speaker, I am very proud to say that it has become an integral supplier to a range of sectors across the world, obviously including locally made initiatives such as Metronet. Today marks a new milestone for the business. Hofmann Engineering has been given the green light to help build US Navy aircraft carriers. In doing so, it becomes the first business in Australia to be approved to supply parts for strategic US Navy assets and brings it one step closer to breaking into the US nuclear-powered submarine supply chain market.
It is a major win for Western Australia's defence industry and follows funding and advocacy from the WA Labor government and the Minister for Defence Industries, Hon Paul Papalia, in particular, with global shipbuilders to use local WA suppliers. Our funding program has helped four other WA businesses advance towards achieving strict US approvals, and they include Dobbie, Marine Technicians Australia, Pressure Dynamics and VEEM.
Mr Speaker, localising the manufacture of high-end products in WA's defence industry is just one aspect of our diversification journey, but there are other great examples. Right now, WA is hosting defence officials from around the world for the Submarine Institute of Australia conference. Earlier this week, the Environmental Protection Authority approved Port Hedland Iron's low-emission processing plant for hot briquetted steel. The Minister for Energy and Decarbonisation, Hon Amber-Jade Sanderson, officially opened a pilot plant seeking to crack the code for the safe transport of hydrogen. Last week the Lodge Wadjemup opened its doors, adding conferencing and accommodation capacity at Wadjemup, or Rottnest Island.
Each of these projects shows faith and confidence in the WA economy, creating great jobs and, of course, embracing the words "Made in WA". We want WA to remain the strongest economy in the country. By keeping the economy strong, we can continue to invest in things that matter and make more things here.
Visitors
The Speaker: I welcome the students and staff from Dawson Park Primary School in Forrestfield up in the gallery today. Welcome to you all. It is wonderful to see you here.
