❓ Mr. Logan questions the Premier's response to manufacturing job losses, particularly in agriculture. The Premier acknowledges the losses but highlights WA's relative strength and future plans for industry support.
AnsweredQoN 346Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES — JOB LOSSES
I draw the Premier’s attention to the corporate axe that is being taken to manufacturing jobs in Western Australia, particularly in the agricultural processing sector, such as the hundreds of jobs that have been lost at Watsonia, Harvey Beef and Pinetec, and now at Peters and Brownes ice cream. (1) Why has the Premier failed to say anything publicly in defence of keeping these critical full-time jobs in WA? (2) Has the Premier contacted—and if he has not, will he—the chief executive officers or chairmen of these companies to condemn the job losses and strongly express his views on the removal of these vital industries from Western Australia? (3) Does the Premier think it is acceptable for a global corporate giant such as Fonterra to make a decision that will see a state-of-the-art manufacturing plant in WA dismantled, trucked to Victoria, rebuilt and sold off to a competitor that will make Peters ice cream under licence and sell it back to shops in this state? Mr C.J. BARNETT
I draw the Premier’s attention to the corporate axe that is being taken to manufacturing jobs in Western Australia, particularly in the agricultural processing sector, such as the hundreds of jobs that have been lost at Watsonia, Harvey Beef and Pinetec, and now at Peters and Brownes ice cream. (1) Why has the Premier failed to say anything publicly in defence of keeping these critical full-time jobs in WA? (2) Has the Premier contacted—and if he has not, will he—the chief executive officers or chairmen of these companies to condemn the job losses and strongly express his views on the removal of these vital industries from Western Australia? (3) Does the Premier think it is acceptable for a global corporate giant such as Fonterra to make a decision that will see a state-of-the-art manufacturing plant in WA dismantled, trucked to Victoria, rebuilt and sold off to a competitor that will make Peters ice cream under licence and sell it back to shops in this state? Mr C.J. BARNETT
AnswerView source ↗
(1)-(3) I thank the member for the question. He is right in his observation that we are seeing in this state, and to a greater extent in other states and territories of Australia, a loss of jobs that is heavily concentrated in the manufacturing sector. Western Australia is fortunate to the extent that its industry, particularly in mining and farming, is broadly internationally competitive, so WA is not taking the hits that the other states and territories are taking. The suggestion that the state government is somehow disinterested is just not true; any job loss is a tragedy for this state. Members will see in the next state budget an attempt to try to, as the Treasurer said, minimise any job losses in this state. This government will take a very aggressive position on job losses in the food processing and agricultural industries over the years to come. I happen to think we probably have the best Minister for Agriculture and Food this state has had for many, many years. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Members should talk to people in the rural industries; they think something quite different. On Friday I had a discussion with Mr Nakasone, the Japanese Foreign Minister. He has made very clear to me on two occasions Japan’s desire to buy more quality food products from Australia. We will see increasing investment into our industries because of that. The member’s observation that jobs are being lost is correct. That is a transformation that is taking place. I assure the member—and the public will judge us on this—about our commitment to building both agriculture and agricultural processing in this state. We are already demonstrating that by our commitment to the Ord River scheme and the commitment that we have given to build the Muchea saleyards. The member ought to drive past it and see the development. Mr A.P. O’Gorman : How does that help the Peters employees now? Mr C.J. BARNETT : It does not. The member is right. Jobs are being lost in significant numbers in this state and in their tens and thousands in other states. Please understand what is happening in Australia. I have talked to the Premiers of the other states. Mr A.P. O’Gorman interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am not. I am making the observation that there seems to be no bottom to the job losses in the other states at the moment. In this state we are consolidating and building very aggressively for the future. The member should be supporting projects such as Oakajee and the industrial estate that will be developed, and he should be supporting us in developing a gas pipeline through the south west of the state, which will provide energy for mineral processing and for food processing and for other industries. I acknowledge that job losses have occurred. Fortunately, they are in comparatively small numbers. With regard to the job losses at E.G. Green and Sons Pty Ltd, the Minister for Agriculture and Food, the Minister for Regional Development and other ministers have been involved. We have been involved also with the job losses at Ravensthorpe. They are private sector employees. I cannot prevent some of the changes that are taking place.
(1) Why has the Premier failed to say anything publicly in defence of keeping these critical full-time jobs in WA? (2) Has the Premier contacted—and if he has not, will he—the chief executive officers or chairmen of these companies to condemn the job losses and strongly express his views on the removal of these vital industries from Western Australia? (3) Does the Premier think it is acceptable for a global corporate giant such as Fonterra to make a decision that will see a state-of-the-art manufacturing plant in WA dismantled, trucked to Victoria, rebuilt and sold off to a competitor that will make Peters ice cream under licence and sell it back to shops in this state? Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: (1)-(3) I thank the member for the question. He is right in his observation that we are seeing in this state, and to a greater extent in other states and territories of Australia, a loss of jobs that is heavily concentrated in the manufacturing sector. Western Australia is fortunate to the extent that its industry, particularly in mining and farming, is broadly internationally competitive, so WA is not taking the hits that the other states and territories are taking. The suggestion that the state government is somehow disinterested is just not true; any job loss is a tragedy for this state. Members will see in the next state budget an attempt to try to, as the Treasurer said, minimise any job losses in this state. This government will take a very aggressive position on job losses in the food processing and agricultural industries over the years to come. I happen to think we probably have the best Minister for Agriculture and Food this state has had for many, many years. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Members should talk to people in the rural industries; they think something quite different. On Friday I had a discussion with Mr Nakasone, the Japanese Foreign Minister. He has made very clear to me on two occasions Japan’s desire to buy more quality food products from Australia. We will see increasing investment into our industries because of that. The member’s observation that jobs are being lost is correct. That is a transformation that is taking place. I assure the member—and the public will judge us on this—about our commitment to building both agriculture and agricultural processing in this state. We are already demonstrating that by our commitment to the Ord River scheme and the commitment that we have given to build the Muchea saleyards. The member ought to drive past it and see the development. Mr A.P. O’Gorman : How does that help the Peters employees now? Mr C.J. BARNETT : It does not. The member is right. Jobs are being lost in significant numbers in this state and in their tens and thousands in other states. Please understand what is happening in Australia. I have talked to the Premiers of the other states. Mr A.P. O’Gorman interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am not. I am making the observation that there seems to be no bottom to the job losses in the other states at the moment. In this state we are consolidating and building very aggressively for the future. The member should be supporting projects such as Oakajee and the industrial estate that will be developed, and he should be supporting us in developing a gas pipeline through the south west of the state, which will provide energy for mineral processing and for food processing and for other industries. I acknowledge that job losses have occurred. Fortunately, they are in comparatively small numbers. With regard to the job losses at E.G. Green and Sons Pty Ltd, the Minister for Agriculture and Food, the Minister for Regional Development and other ministers have been involved. We have been involved also with the job losses at Ravensthorpe. They are private sector employees. I cannot prevent some of the changes that are taking place.
(2) Has the Premier contacted—and if he has not, will he—the chief executive officers or chairmen of these companies to condemn the job losses and strongly express his views on the removal of these vital industries from Western Australia? (3) Does the Premier think it is acceptable for a global corporate giant such as Fonterra to make a decision that will see a state-of-the-art manufacturing plant in WA dismantled, trucked to Victoria, rebuilt and sold off to a competitor that will make Peters ice cream under licence and sell it back to shops in this state? Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: (1)-(3) I thank the member for the question. He is right in his observation that we are seeing in this state, and to a greater extent in other states and territories of Australia, a loss of jobs that is heavily concentrated in the manufacturing sector. Western Australia is fortunate to the extent that its industry, particularly in mining and farming, is broadly internationally competitive, so WA is not taking the hits that the other states and territories are taking. The suggestion that the state government is somehow disinterested is just not true; any job loss is a tragedy for this state. Members will see in the next state budget an attempt to try to, as the Treasurer said, minimise any job losses in this state. This government will take a very aggressive position on job losses in the food processing and agricultural industries over the years to come. I happen to think we probably have the best Minister for Agriculture and Food this state has had for many, many years. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Members should talk to people in the rural industries; they think something quite different. On Friday I had a discussion with Mr Nakasone, the Japanese Foreign Minister. He has made very clear to me on two occasions Japan’s desire to buy more quality food products from Australia. We will see increasing investment into our industries because of that. The member’s observation that jobs are being lost is correct. That is a transformation that is taking place. I assure the member—and the public will judge us on this—about our commitment to building both agriculture and agricultural processing in this state. We are already demonstrating that by our commitment to the Ord River scheme and the commitment that we have given to build the Muchea saleyards. The member ought to drive past it and see the development. Mr A.P. O’Gorman : How does that help the Peters employees now? Mr C.J. BARNETT : It does not. The member is right. Jobs are being lost in significant numbers in this state and in their tens and thousands in other states. Please understand what is happening in Australia. I have talked to the Premiers of the other states. Mr A.P. O’Gorman interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am not. I am making the observation that there seems to be no bottom to the job losses in the other states at the moment. In this state we are consolidating and building very aggressively for the future. The member should be supporting projects such as Oakajee and the industrial estate that will be developed, and he should be supporting us in developing a gas pipeline through the south west of the state, which will provide energy for mineral processing and for food processing and for other industries. I acknowledge that job losses have occurred. Fortunately, they are in comparatively small numbers. With regard to the job losses at E.G. Green and Sons Pty Ltd, the Minister for Agriculture and Food, the Minister for Regional Development and other ministers have been involved. We have been involved also with the job losses at Ravensthorpe. They are private sector employees. I cannot prevent some of the changes that are taking place.
(3) Does the Premier think it is acceptable for a global corporate giant such as Fonterra to make a decision that will see a state-of-the-art manufacturing plant in WA dismantled, trucked to Victoria, rebuilt and sold off to a competitor that will make Peters ice cream under licence and sell it back to shops in this state? Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: (1)-(3) I thank the member for the question. He is right in his observation that we are seeing in this state, and to a greater extent in other states and territories of Australia, a loss of jobs that is heavily concentrated in the manufacturing sector. Western Australia is fortunate to the extent that its industry, particularly in mining and farming, is broadly internationally competitive, so WA is not taking the hits that the other states and territories are taking. The suggestion that the state government is somehow disinterested is just not true; any job loss is a tragedy for this state. Members will see in the next state budget an attempt to try to, as the Treasurer said, minimise any job losses in this state. This government will take a very aggressive position on job losses in the food processing and agricultural industries over the years to come. I happen to think we probably have the best Minister for Agriculture and Food this state has had for many, many years. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Members should talk to people in the rural industries; they think something quite different. On Friday I had a discussion with Mr Nakasone, the Japanese Foreign Minister. He has made very clear to me on two occasions Japan’s desire to buy more quality food products from Australia. We will see increasing investment into our industries because of that. The member’s observation that jobs are being lost is correct. That is a transformation that is taking place. I assure the member—and the public will judge us on this—about our commitment to building both agriculture and agricultural processing in this state. We are already demonstrating that by our commitment to the Ord River scheme and the commitment that we have given to build the Muchea saleyards. The member ought to drive past it and see the development. Mr A.P. O’Gorman : How does that help the Peters employees now? Mr C.J. BARNETT : It does not. The member is right. Jobs are being lost in significant numbers in this state and in their tens and thousands in other states. Please understand what is happening in Australia. I have talked to the Premiers of the other states. Mr A.P. O’Gorman interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am not. I am making the observation that there seems to be no bottom to the job losses in the other states at the moment. In this state we are consolidating and building very aggressively for the future. The member should be supporting projects such as Oakajee and the industrial estate that will be developed, and he should be supporting us in developing a gas pipeline through the south west of the state, which will provide energy for mineral processing and for food processing and for other industries. I acknowledge that job losses have occurred. Fortunately, they are in comparatively small numbers. With regard to the job losses at E.G. Green and Sons Pty Ltd, the Minister for Agriculture and Food, the Minister for Regional Development and other ministers have been involved. We have been involved also with the job losses at Ravensthorpe. They are private sector employees. I cannot prevent some of the changes that are taking place.
Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: (1)-(3) I thank the member for the question. He is right in his observation that we are seeing in this state, and to a greater extent in other states and territories of Australia, a loss of jobs that is heavily concentrated in the manufacturing sector. Western Australia is fortunate to the extent that its industry, particularly in mining and farming, is broadly internationally competitive, so WA is not taking the hits that the other states and territories are taking. The suggestion that the state government is somehow disinterested is just not true; any job loss is a tragedy for this state. Members will see in the next state budget an attempt to try to, as the Treasurer said, minimise any job losses in this state. This government will take a very aggressive position on job losses in the food processing and agricultural industries over the years to come. I happen to think we probably have the best Minister for Agriculture and Food this state has had for many, many years. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Members should talk to people in the rural industries; they think something quite different. On Friday I had a discussion with Mr Nakasone, the Japanese Foreign Minister. He has made very clear to me on two occasions Japan’s desire to buy more quality food products from Australia. We will see increasing investment into our industries because of that. The member’s observation that jobs are being lost is correct. That is a transformation that is taking place. I assure the member—and the public will judge us on this—about our commitment to building both agriculture and agricultural processing in this state. We are already demonstrating that by our commitment to the Ord River scheme and the commitment that we have given to build the Muchea saleyards. The member ought to drive past it and see the development. Mr A.P. O’Gorman : How does that help the Peters employees now? Mr C.J. BARNETT : It does not. The member is right. Jobs are being lost in significant numbers in this state and in their tens and thousands in other states. Please understand what is happening in Australia. I have talked to the Premiers of the other states. Mr A.P. O’Gorman interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am not. I am making the observation that there seems to be no bottom to the job losses in the other states at the moment. In this state we are consolidating and building very aggressively for the future. The member should be supporting projects such as Oakajee and the industrial estate that will be developed, and he should be supporting us in developing a gas pipeline through the south west of the state, which will provide energy for mineral processing and for food processing and for other industries. I acknowledge that job losses have occurred. Fortunately, they are in comparatively small numbers. With regard to the job losses at E.G. Green and Sons Pty Ltd, the Minister for Agriculture and Food, the Minister for Regional Development and other ministers have been involved. We have been involved also with the job losses at Ravensthorpe. They are private sector employees. I cannot prevent some of the changes that are taking place.
(1)-(3) I thank the member for the question. He is right in his observation that we are seeing in this state, and to a greater extent in other states and territories of Australia, a loss of jobs that is heavily concentrated in the manufacturing sector. Western Australia is fortunate to the extent that its industry, particularly in mining and farming, is broadly internationally competitive, so WA is not taking the hits that the other states and territories are taking. The suggestion that the state government is somehow disinterested is just not true; any job loss is a tragedy for this state. Members will see in the next state budget an attempt to try to, as the Treasurer said, minimise any job losses in this state. This government will take a very aggressive position on job losses in the food processing and agricultural industries over the years to come. I happen to think we probably have the best Minister for Agriculture and Food this state has had for many, many years. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Members should talk to people in the rural industries; they think something quite different. On Friday I had a discussion with Mr Nakasone, the Japanese Foreign Minister. He has made very clear to me on two occasions Japan’s desire to buy more quality food products from Australia. We will see increasing investment into our industries because of that. The member’s observation that jobs are being lost is correct. That is a transformation that is taking place. I assure the member—and the public will judge us on this—about our commitment to building both agriculture and agricultural processing in this state. We are already demonstrating that by our commitment to the Ord River scheme and the commitment that we have given to build the Muchea saleyards. The member ought to drive past it and see the development. Mr A.P. O’Gorman : How does that help the Peters employees now? Mr C.J. BARNETT : It does not. The member is right. Jobs are being lost in significant numbers in this state and in their tens and thousands in other states. Please understand what is happening in Australia. I have talked to the Premiers of the other states. Mr A.P. O’Gorman interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am not. I am making the observation that there seems to be no bottom to the job losses in the other states at the moment. In this state we are consolidating and building very aggressively for the future. The member should be supporting projects such as Oakajee and the industrial estate that will be developed, and he should be supporting us in developing a gas pipeline through the south west of the state, which will provide energy for mineral processing and for food processing and for other industries. I acknowledge that job losses have occurred. Fortunately, they are in comparatively small numbers. With regard to the job losses at E.G. Green and Sons Pty Ltd, the Minister for Agriculture and Food, the Minister for Regional Development and other ministers have been involved. We have been involved also with the job losses at Ravensthorpe. They are private sector employees. I cannot prevent some of the changes that are taking place.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : Members should talk to people in the rural industries; they think something quite different. On Friday I had a discussion with Mr Nakasone, the Japanese Foreign Minister. He has made very clear to me on two occasions Japan’s desire to buy more quality food products from Australia. We will see increasing investment into our industries because of that. The member’s observation that jobs are being lost is correct. That is a transformation that is taking place. I assure the member—and the public will judge us on this—about our commitment to building both agriculture and agricultural processing in this state. We are already demonstrating that by our commitment to the Ord River scheme and the commitment that we have given to build the Muchea saleyards. The member ought to drive past it and see the development. Mr A.P. O’Gorman : How does that help the Peters employees now? Mr C.J. BARNETT : It does not. The member is right. Jobs are being lost in significant numbers in this state and in their tens and thousands in other states. Please understand what is happening in Australia. I have talked to the Premiers of the other states. Mr A.P. O’Gorman interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am not. I am making the observation that there seems to be no bottom to the job losses in the other states at the moment. In this state we are consolidating and building very aggressively for the future. The member should be supporting projects such as Oakajee and the industrial estate that will be developed, and he should be supporting us in developing a gas pipeline through the south west of the state, which will provide energy for mineral processing and for food processing and for other industries. I acknowledge that job losses have occurred. Fortunately, they are in comparatively small numbers. With regard to the job losses at E.G. Green and Sons Pty Ltd, the Minister for Agriculture and Food, the Minister for Regional Development and other ministers have been involved. We have been involved also with the job losses at Ravensthorpe. They are private sector employees. I cannot prevent some of the changes that are taking place.
On Friday I had a discussion with Mr Nakasone, the Japanese Foreign Minister. He has made very clear to me on two occasions Japan’s desire to buy more quality food products from Australia. We will see increasing investment into our industries because of that. The member’s observation that jobs are being lost is correct. That is a transformation that is taking place. I assure the member—and the public will judge us on this—about our commitment to building both agriculture and agricultural processing in this state. We are already demonstrating that by our commitment to the Ord River scheme and the commitment that we have given to build the Muchea saleyards. The member ought to drive past it and see the development. Mr A.P. O’Gorman : How does that help the Peters employees now? Mr C.J. BARNETT : It does not. The member is right. Jobs are being lost in significant numbers in this state and in their tens and thousands in other states. Please understand what is happening in Australia. I have talked to the Premiers of the other states. Mr A.P. O’Gorman interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am not. I am making the observation that there seems to be no bottom to the job losses in the other states at the moment. In this state we are consolidating and building very aggressively for the future. The member should be supporting projects such as Oakajee and the industrial estate that will be developed, and he should be supporting us in developing a gas pipeline through the south west of the state, which will provide energy for mineral processing and for food processing and for other industries. I acknowledge that job losses have occurred. Fortunately, they are in comparatively small numbers. With regard to the job losses at E.G. Green and Sons Pty Ltd, the Minister for Agriculture and Food, the Minister for Regional Development and other ministers have been involved. We have been involved also with the job losses at Ravensthorpe. They are private sector employees. I cannot prevent some of the changes that are taking place.
I assure the member—and the public will judge us on this—about our commitment to building both agriculture and agricultural processing in this state. We are already demonstrating that by our commitment to the Ord River scheme and the commitment that we have given to build the Muchea saleyards. The member ought to drive past it and see the development. Mr A.P. O’Gorman : How does that help the Peters employees now? Mr C.J. BARNETT : It does not. The member is right. Jobs are being lost in significant numbers in this state and in their tens and thousands in other states. Please understand what is happening in Australia. I have talked to the Premiers of the other states. Mr A.P. O’Gorman interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am not. I am making the observation that there seems to be no bottom to the job losses in the other states at the moment. In this state we are consolidating and building very aggressively for the future. The member should be supporting projects such as Oakajee and the industrial estate that will be developed, and he should be supporting us in developing a gas pipeline through the south west of the state, which will provide energy for mineral processing and for food processing and for other industries. I acknowledge that job losses have occurred. Fortunately, they are in comparatively small numbers. With regard to the job losses at E.G. Green and Sons Pty Ltd, the Minister for Agriculture and Food, the Minister for Regional Development and other ministers have been involved. We have been involved also with the job losses at Ravensthorpe. They are private sector employees. I cannot prevent some of the changes that are taking place.
Mr A.P. O’Gorman : How does that help the Peters employees now? Mr C.J. BARNETT : It does not. The member is right. Jobs are being lost in significant numbers in this state and in their tens and thousands in other states. Please understand what is happening in Australia. I have talked to the Premiers of the other states. Mr A.P. O’Gorman interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am not. I am making the observation that there seems to be no bottom to the job losses in the other states at the moment. In this state we are consolidating and building very aggressively for the future. The member should be supporting projects such as Oakajee and the industrial estate that will be developed, and he should be supporting us in developing a gas pipeline through the south west of the state, which will provide energy for mineral processing and for food processing and for other industries. I acknowledge that job losses have occurred. Fortunately, they are in comparatively small numbers. With regard to the job losses at E.G. Green and Sons Pty Ltd, the Minister for Agriculture and Food, the Minister for Regional Development and other ministers have been involved. We have been involved also with the job losses at Ravensthorpe. They are private sector employees. I cannot prevent some of the changes that are taking place.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : It does not. The member is right. Jobs are being lost in significant numbers in this state and in their tens and thousands in other states. Please understand what is happening in Australia. I have talked to the Premiers of the other states. Mr A.P. O’Gorman interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am not. I am making the observation that there seems to be no bottom to the job losses in the other states at the moment. In this state we are consolidating and building very aggressively for the future. The member should be supporting projects such as Oakajee and the industrial estate that will be developed, and he should be supporting us in developing a gas pipeline through the south west of the state, which will provide energy for mineral processing and for food processing and for other industries. I acknowledge that job losses have occurred. Fortunately, they are in comparatively small numbers. With regard to the job losses at E.G. Green and Sons Pty Ltd, the Minister for Agriculture and Food, the Minister for Regional Development and other ministers have been involved. We have been involved also with the job losses at Ravensthorpe. They are private sector employees. I cannot prevent some of the changes that are taking place.
Mr A.P. O’Gorman interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am not. I am making the observation that there seems to be no bottom to the job losses in the other states at the moment. In this state we are consolidating and building very aggressively for the future. The member should be supporting projects such as Oakajee and the industrial estate that will be developed, and he should be supporting us in developing a gas pipeline through the south west of the state, which will provide energy for mineral processing and for food processing and for other industries. I acknowledge that job losses have occurred. Fortunately, they are in comparatively small numbers. With regard to the job losses at E.G. Green and Sons Pty Ltd, the Minister for Agriculture and Food, the Minister for Regional Development and other ministers have been involved. We have been involved also with the job losses at Ravensthorpe. They are private sector employees. I cannot prevent some of the changes that are taking place.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am not. I am making the observation that there seems to be no bottom to the job losses in the other states at the moment. In this state we are consolidating and building very aggressively for the future. The member should be supporting projects such as Oakajee and the industrial estate that will be developed, and he should be supporting us in developing a gas pipeline through the south west of the state, which will provide energy for mineral processing and for food processing and for other industries. I acknowledge that job losses have occurred. Fortunately, they are in comparatively small numbers. With regard to the job losses at E.G. Green and Sons Pty Ltd, the Minister for Agriculture and Food, the Minister for Regional Development and other ministers have been involved. We have been involved also with the job losses at Ravensthorpe. They are private sector employees. I cannot prevent some of the changes that are taking place.
(1) Why has the Premier failed to say anything publicly in defence of keeping these critical full-time jobs in WA? (2) Has the Premier contacted—and if he has not, will he—the chief executive officers or chairmen of these companies to condemn the job losses and strongly express his views on the removal of these vital industries from Western Australia? (3) Does the Premier think it is acceptable for a global corporate giant such as Fonterra to make a decision that will see a state-of-the-art manufacturing plant in WA dismantled, trucked to Victoria, rebuilt and sold off to a competitor that will make Peters ice cream under licence and sell it back to shops in this state? Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: (1)-(3) I thank the member for the question. He is right in his observation that we are seeing in this state, and to a greater extent in other states and territories of Australia, a loss of jobs that is heavily concentrated in the manufacturing sector. Western Australia is fortunate to the extent that its industry, particularly in mining and farming, is broadly internationally competitive, so WA is not taking the hits that the other states and territories are taking. The suggestion that the state government is somehow disinterested is just not true; any job loss is a tragedy for this state. Members will see in the next state budget an attempt to try to, as the Treasurer said, minimise any job losses in this state. This government will take a very aggressive position on job losses in the food processing and agricultural industries over the years to come. I happen to think we probably have the best Minister for Agriculture and Food this state has had for many, many years. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Members should talk to people in the rural industries; they think something quite different. On Friday I had a discussion with Mr Nakasone, the Japanese Foreign Minister. He has made very clear to me on two occasions Japan’s desire to buy more quality food products from Australia. We will see increasing investment into our industries because of that. The member’s observation that jobs are being lost is correct. That is a transformation that is taking place. I assure the member—and the public will judge us on this—about our commitment to building both agriculture and agricultural processing in this state. We are already demonstrating that by our commitment to the Ord River scheme and the commitment that we have given to build the Muchea saleyards. The member ought to drive past it and see the development. Mr A.P. O’Gorman : How does that help the Peters employees now? Mr C.J. BARNETT : It does not. The member is right. Jobs are being lost in significant numbers in this state and in their tens and thousands in other states. Please understand what is happening in Australia. I have talked to the Premiers of the other states. Mr A.P. O’Gorman interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am not. I am making the observation that there seems to be no bottom to the job losses in the other states at the moment. In this state we are consolidating and building very aggressively for the future. The member should be supporting projects such as Oakajee and the industrial estate that will be developed, and he should be supporting us in developing a gas pipeline through the south west of the state, which will provide energy for mineral processing and for food processing and for other industries. I acknowledge that job losses have occurred. Fortunately, they are in comparatively small numbers. With regard to the job losses at E.G. Green and Sons Pty Ltd, the Minister for Agriculture and Food, the Minister for Regional Development and other ministers have been involved. We have been involved also with the job losses at Ravensthorpe. They are private sector employees. I cannot prevent some of the changes that are taking place.
(2) Has the Premier contacted—and if he has not, will he—the chief executive officers or chairmen of these companies to condemn the job losses and strongly express his views on the removal of these vital industries from Western Australia? (3) Does the Premier think it is acceptable for a global corporate giant such as Fonterra to make a decision that will see a state-of-the-art manufacturing plant in WA dismantled, trucked to Victoria, rebuilt and sold off to a competitor that will make Peters ice cream under licence and sell it back to shops in this state? Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: (1)-(3) I thank the member for the question. He is right in his observation that we are seeing in this state, and to a greater extent in other states and territories of Australia, a loss of jobs that is heavily concentrated in the manufacturing sector. Western Australia is fortunate to the extent that its industry, particularly in mining and farming, is broadly internationally competitive, so WA is not taking the hits that the other states and territories are taking. The suggestion that the state government is somehow disinterested is just not true; any job loss is a tragedy for this state. Members will see in the next state budget an attempt to try to, as the Treasurer said, minimise any job losses in this state. This government will take a very aggressive position on job losses in the food processing and agricultural industries over the years to come. I happen to think we probably have the best Minister for Agriculture and Food this state has had for many, many years. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Members should talk to people in the rural industries; they think something quite different. On Friday I had a discussion with Mr Nakasone, the Japanese Foreign Minister. He has made very clear to me on two occasions Japan’s desire to buy more quality food products from Australia. We will see increasing investment into our industries because of that. The member’s observation that jobs are being lost is correct. That is a transformation that is taking place. I assure the member—and the public will judge us on this—about our commitment to building both agriculture and agricultural processing in this state. We are already demonstrating that by our commitment to the Ord River scheme and the commitment that we have given to build the Muchea saleyards. The member ought to drive past it and see the development. Mr A.P. O’Gorman : How does that help the Peters employees now? Mr C.J. BARNETT : It does not. The member is right. Jobs are being lost in significant numbers in this state and in their tens and thousands in other states. Please understand what is happening in Australia. I have talked to the Premiers of the other states. Mr A.P. O’Gorman interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am not. I am making the observation that there seems to be no bottom to the job losses in the other states at the moment. In this state we are consolidating and building very aggressively for the future. The member should be supporting projects such as Oakajee and the industrial estate that will be developed, and he should be supporting us in developing a gas pipeline through the south west of the state, which will provide energy for mineral processing and for food processing and for other industries. I acknowledge that job losses have occurred. Fortunately, they are in comparatively small numbers. With regard to the job losses at E.G. Green and Sons Pty Ltd, the Minister for Agriculture and Food, the Minister for Regional Development and other ministers have been involved. We have been involved also with the job losses at Ravensthorpe. They are private sector employees. I cannot prevent some of the changes that are taking place.
(3) Does the Premier think it is acceptable for a global corporate giant such as Fonterra to make a decision that will see a state-of-the-art manufacturing plant in WA dismantled, trucked to Victoria, rebuilt and sold off to a competitor that will make Peters ice cream under licence and sell it back to shops in this state? Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: (1)-(3) I thank the member for the question. He is right in his observation that we are seeing in this state, and to a greater extent in other states and territories of Australia, a loss of jobs that is heavily concentrated in the manufacturing sector. Western Australia is fortunate to the extent that its industry, particularly in mining and farming, is broadly internationally competitive, so WA is not taking the hits that the other states and territories are taking. The suggestion that the state government is somehow disinterested is just not true; any job loss is a tragedy for this state. Members will see in the next state budget an attempt to try to, as the Treasurer said, minimise any job losses in this state. This government will take a very aggressive position on job losses in the food processing and agricultural industries over the years to come. I happen to think we probably have the best Minister for Agriculture and Food this state has had for many, many years. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Members should talk to people in the rural industries; they think something quite different. On Friday I had a discussion with Mr Nakasone, the Japanese Foreign Minister. He has made very clear to me on two occasions Japan’s desire to buy more quality food products from Australia. We will see increasing investment into our industries because of that. The member’s observation that jobs are being lost is correct. That is a transformation that is taking place. I assure the member—and the public will judge us on this—about our commitment to building both agriculture and agricultural processing in this state. We are already demonstrating that by our commitment to the Ord River scheme and the commitment that we have given to build the Muchea saleyards. The member ought to drive past it and see the development. Mr A.P. O’Gorman : How does that help the Peters employees now? Mr C.J. BARNETT : It does not. The member is right. Jobs are being lost in significant numbers in this state and in their tens and thousands in other states. Please understand what is happening in Australia. I have talked to the Premiers of the other states. Mr A.P. O’Gorman interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am not. I am making the observation that there seems to be no bottom to the job losses in the other states at the moment. In this state we are consolidating and building very aggressively for the future. The member should be supporting projects such as Oakajee and the industrial estate that will be developed, and he should be supporting us in developing a gas pipeline through the south west of the state, which will provide energy for mineral processing and for food processing and for other industries. I acknowledge that job losses have occurred. Fortunately, they are in comparatively small numbers. With regard to the job losses at E.G. Green and Sons Pty Ltd, the Minister for Agriculture and Food, the Minister for Regional Development and other ministers have been involved. We have been involved also with the job losses at Ravensthorpe. They are private sector employees. I cannot prevent some of the changes that are taking place.
Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: (1)-(3) I thank the member for the question. He is right in his observation that we are seeing in this state, and to a greater extent in other states and territories of Australia, a loss of jobs that is heavily concentrated in the manufacturing sector. Western Australia is fortunate to the extent that its industry, particularly in mining and farming, is broadly internationally competitive, so WA is not taking the hits that the other states and territories are taking. The suggestion that the state government is somehow disinterested is just not true; any job loss is a tragedy for this state. Members will see in the next state budget an attempt to try to, as the Treasurer said, minimise any job losses in this state. This government will take a very aggressive position on job losses in the food processing and agricultural industries over the years to come. I happen to think we probably have the best Minister for Agriculture and Food this state has had for many, many years. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Members should talk to people in the rural industries; they think something quite different. On Friday I had a discussion with Mr Nakasone, the Japanese Foreign Minister. He has made very clear to me on two occasions Japan’s desire to buy more quality food products from Australia. We will see increasing investment into our industries because of that. The member’s observation that jobs are being lost is correct. That is a transformation that is taking place. I assure the member—and the public will judge us on this—about our commitment to building both agriculture and agricultural processing in this state. We are already demonstrating that by our commitment to the Ord River scheme and the commitment that we have given to build the Muchea saleyards. The member ought to drive past it and see the development. Mr A.P. O’Gorman : How does that help the Peters employees now? Mr C.J. BARNETT : It does not. The member is right. Jobs are being lost in significant numbers in this state and in their tens and thousands in other states. Please understand what is happening in Australia. I have talked to the Premiers of the other states. Mr A.P. O’Gorman interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am not. I am making the observation that there seems to be no bottom to the job losses in the other states at the moment. In this state we are consolidating and building very aggressively for the future. The member should be supporting projects such as Oakajee and the industrial estate that will be developed, and he should be supporting us in developing a gas pipeline through the south west of the state, which will provide energy for mineral processing and for food processing and for other industries. I acknowledge that job losses have occurred. Fortunately, they are in comparatively small numbers. With regard to the job losses at E.G. Green and Sons Pty Ltd, the Minister for Agriculture and Food, the Minister for Regional Development and other ministers have been involved. We have been involved also with the job losses at Ravensthorpe. They are private sector employees. I cannot prevent some of the changes that are taking place.
(1)-(3) I thank the member for the question. He is right in his observation that we are seeing in this state, and to a greater extent in other states and territories of Australia, a loss of jobs that is heavily concentrated in the manufacturing sector. Western Australia is fortunate to the extent that its industry, particularly in mining and farming, is broadly internationally competitive, so WA is not taking the hits that the other states and territories are taking. The suggestion that the state government is somehow disinterested is just not true; any job loss is a tragedy for this state. Members will see in the next state budget an attempt to try to, as the Treasurer said, minimise any job losses in this state. This government will take a very aggressive position on job losses in the food processing and agricultural industries over the years to come. I happen to think we probably have the best Minister for Agriculture and Food this state has had for many, many years. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Members should talk to people in the rural industries; they think something quite different. On Friday I had a discussion with Mr Nakasone, the Japanese Foreign Minister. He has made very clear to me on two occasions Japan’s desire to buy more quality food products from Australia. We will see increasing investment into our industries because of that. The member’s observation that jobs are being lost is correct. That is a transformation that is taking place. I assure the member—and the public will judge us on this—about our commitment to building both agriculture and agricultural processing in this state. We are already demonstrating that by our commitment to the Ord River scheme and the commitment that we have given to build the Muchea saleyards. The member ought to drive past it and see the development. Mr A.P. O’Gorman : How does that help the Peters employees now? Mr C.J. BARNETT : It does not. The member is right. Jobs are being lost in significant numbers in this state and in their tens and thousands in other states. Please understand what is happening in Australia. I have talked to the Premiers of the other states. Mr A.P. O’Gorman interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am not. I am making the observation that there seems to be no bottom to the job losses in the other states at the moment. In this state we are consolidating and building very aggressively for the future. The member should be supporting projects such as Oakajee and the industrial estate that will be developed, and he should be supporting us in developing a gas pipeline through the south west of the state, which will provide energy for mineral processing and for food processing and for other industries. I acknowledge that job losses have occurred. Fortunately, they are in comparatively small numbers. With regard to the job losses at E.G. Green and Sons Pty Ltd, the Minister for Agriculture and Food, the Minister for Regional Development and other ministers have been involved. We have been involved also with the job losses at Ravensthorpe. They are private sector employees. I cannot prevent some of the changes that are taking place.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : Members should talk to people in the rural industries; they think something quite different. On Friday I had a discussion with Mr Nakasone, the Japanese Foreign Minister. He has made very clear to me on two occasions Japan’s desire to buy more quality food products from Australia. We will see increasing investment into our industries because of that. The member’s observation that jobs are being lost is correct. That is a transformation that is taking place. I assure the member—and the public will judge us on this—about our commitment to building both agriculture and agricultural processing in this state. We are already demonstrating that by our commitment to the Ord River scheme and the commitment that we have given to build the Muchea saleyards. The member ought to drive past it and see the development. Mr A.P. O’Gorman : How does that help the Peters employees now? Mr C.J. BARNETT : It does not. The member is right. Jobs are being lost in significant numbers in this state and in their tens and thousands in other states. Please understand what is happening in Australia. I have talked to the Premiers of the other states. Mr A.P. O’Gorman interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am not. I am making the observation that there seems to be no bottom to the job losses in the other states at the moment. In this state we are consolidating and building very aggressively for the future. The member should be supporting projects such as Oakajee and the industrial estate that will be developed, and he should be supporting us in developing a gas pipeline through the south west of the state, which will provide energy for mineral processing and for food processing and for other industries. I acknowledge that job losses have occurred. Fortunately, they are in comparatively small numbers. With regard to the job losses at E.G. Green and Sons Pty Ltd, the Minister for Agriculture and Food, the Minister for Regional Development and other ministers have been involved. We have been involved also with the job losses at Ravensthorpe. They are private sector employees. I cannot prevent some of the changes that are taking place.
On Friday I had a discussion with Mr Nakasone, the Japanese Foreign Minister. He has made very clear to me on two occasions Japan’s desire to buy more quality food products from Australia. We will see increasing investment into our industries because of that. The member’s observation that jobs are being lost is correct. That is a transformation that is taking place. I assure the member—and the public will judge us on this—about our commitment to building both agriculture and agricultural processing in this state. We are already demonstrating that by our commitment to the Ord River scheme and the commitment that we have given to build the Muchea saleyards. The member ought to drive past it and see the development. Mr A.P. O’Gorman : How does that help the Peters employees now? Mr C.J. BARNETT : It does not. The member is right. Jobs are being lost in significant numbers in this state and in their tens and thousands in other states. Please understand what is happening in Australia. I have talked to the Premiers of the other states. Mr A.P. O’Gorman interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am not. I am making the observation that there seems to be no bottom to the job losses in the other states at the moment. In this state we are consolidating and building very aggressively for the future. The member should be supporting projects such as Oakajee and the industrial estate that will be developed, and he should be supporting us in developing a gas pipeline through the south west of the state, which will provide energy for mineral processing and for food processing and for other industries. I acknowledge that job losses have occurred. Fortunately, they are in comparatively small numbers. With regard to the job losses at E.G. Green and Sons Pty Ltd, the Minister for Agriculture and Food, the Minister for Regional Development and other ministers have been involved. We have been involved also with the job losses at Ravensthorpe. They are private sector employees. I cannot prevent some of the changes that are taking place.
I assure the member—and the public will judge us on this—about our commitment to building both agriculture and agricultural processing in this state. We are already demonstrating that by our commitment to the Ord River scheme and the commitment that we have given to build the Muchea saleyards. The member ought to drive past it and see the development. Mr A.P. O’Gorman : How does that help the Peters employees now? Mr C.J. BARNETT : It does not. The member is right. Jobs are being lost in significant numbers in this state and in their tens and thousands in other states. Please understand what is happening in Australia. I have talked to the Premiers of the other states. Mr A.P. O’Gorman interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am not. I am making the observation that there seems to be no bottom to the job losses in the other states at the moment. In this state we are consolidating and building very aggressively for the future. The member should be supporting projects such as Oakajee and the industrial estate that will be developed, and he should be supporting us in developing a gas pipeline through the south west of the state, which will provide energy for mineral processing and for food processing and for other industries. I acknowledge that job losses have occurred. Fortunately, they are in comparatively small numbers. With regard to the job losses at E.G. Green and Sons Pty Ltd, the Minister for Agriculture and Food, the Minister for Regional Development and other ministers have been involved. We have been involved also with the job losses at Ravensthorpe. They are private sector employees. I cannot prevent some of the changes that are taking place.
Mr A.P. O’Gorman : How does that help the Peters employees now? Mr C.J. BARNETT : It does not. The member is right. Jobs are being lost in significant numbers in this state and in their tens and thousands in other states. Please understand what is happening in Australia. I have talked to the Premiers of the other states. Mr A.P. O’Gorman interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am not. I am making the observation that there seems to be no bottom to the job losses in the other states at the moment. In this state we are consolidating and building very aggressively for the future. The member should be supporting projects such as Oakajee and the industrial estate that will be developed, and he should be supporting us in developing a gas pipeline through the south west of the state, which will provide energy for mineral processing and for food processing and for other industries. I acknowledge that job losses have occurred. Fortunately, they are in comparatively small numbers. With regard to the job losses at E.G. Green and Sons Pty Ltd, the Minister for Agriculture and Food, the Minister for Regional Development and other ministers have been involved. We have been involved also with the job losses at Ravensthorpe. They are private sector employees. I cannot prevent some of the changes that are taking place.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : It does not. The member is right. Jobs are being lost in significant numbers in this state and in their tens and thousands in other states. Please understand what is happening in Australia. I have talked to the Premiers of the other states. Mr A.P. O’Gorman interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am not. I am making the observation that there seems to be no bottom to the job losses in the other states at the moment. In this state we are consolidating and building very aggressively for the future. The member should be supporting projects such as Oakajee and the industrial estate that will be developed, and he should be supporting us in developing a gas pipeline through the south west of the state, which will provide energy for mineral processing and for food processing and for other industries. I acknowledge that job losses have occurred. Fortunately, they are in comparatively small numbers. With regard to the job losses at E.G. Green and Sons Pty Ltd, the Minister for Agriculture and Food, the Minister for Regional Development and other ministers have been involved. We have been involved also with the job losses at Ravensthorpe. They are private sector employees. I cannot prevent some of the changes that are taking place.
Mr A.P. O’Gorman interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am not. I am making the observation that there seems to be no bottom to the job losses in the other states at the moment. In this state we are consolidating and building very aggressively for the future. The member should be supporting projects such as Oakajee and the industrial estate that will be developed, and he should be supporting us in developing a gas pipeline through the south west of the state, which will provide energy for mineral processing and for food processing and for other industries. I acknowledge that job losses have occurred. Fortunately, they are in comparatively small numbers. With regard to the job losses at E.G. Green and Sons Pty Ltd, the Minister for Agriculture and Food, the Minister for Regional Development and other ministers have been involved. We have been involved also with the job losses at Ravensthorpe. They are private sector employees. I cannot prevent some of the changes that are taking place.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am not. I am making the observation that there seems to be no bottom to the job losses in the other states at the moment. In this state we are consolidating and building very aggressively for the future. The member should be supporting projects such as Oakajee and the industrial estate that will be developed, and he should be supporting us in developing a gas pipeline through the south west of the state, which will provide energy for mineral processing and for food processing and for other industries. I acknowledge that job losses have occurred. Fortunately, they are in comparatively small numbers. With regard to the job losses at E.G. Green and Sons Pty Ltd, the Minister for Agriculture and Food, the Minister for Regional Development and other ministers have been involved. We have been involved also with the job losses at Ravensthorpe. They are private sector employees. I cannot prevent some of the changes that are taking place.
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