Western Australia will soon welcome Member for Churchlands Sean L’Estrange as the new Mines and Petroleum Minister.
Outgoing minister Bill Marmion will be promoted to the State Development portfolio in a new cabinet line-up which will be sworn in on Thursday.
Chamber of Minerals and Energy chief executive Reg Howard-Smith said he looked forward to working with L’Estrange in the new cabinet line-up.
“In being given this portfolio, Mr L’Estrange takes on one of the most important sectors to the West Australian economy – an industry which provides significant royalties, jobs and social contributions to the WA landscape,” Howard-Smith said.
“Mr L’Estrange has proved himself to be a solid performer since his election to Parliament in 2013 and we look forward to working with him on a range of advocacy issues.”
“As was the case with his predecessor, the Hon Bill Marmion, we anticipate building and maintaining strong and effective relationships with Mr L’Estrange and his office.”
Howard-Smith congratulated Marmion on his new role, and commended his work with the department over the past three years.
“Minister Marmion always listened to the concerns of resource companies and recognised the vital economic importance the sector provides to Western Australia,” Howard-Smith said.
“CME looks forward to continuing to work with Minister Marmion in his new role as Minister for State Development.”
Australian Mines and Metals Association executive director for Policy & Public Affairs Scott Barklamb said L’Estrange should focus on a number of key priorities, such as encouraging ongoing resources exploration, and looking at new ways to ensure the success of West Australian resource projects.
“With suppressed commodity prices and other economic challenges, all eyes will be on lifting productivity, cutting red tape and supporting innovation and agility within Western Australia’s resources marketplace,” Barklamb said.