From the CEO’s Desk

Fri 11 Jun 2021

RCCIWA Members Forum  - Thursday 17th  and Friday 18th of June
Next Thursday and Friday sees our members gather for the first RCCIWA Members Forum for 2021. We have a record attendance registered and two days of valuable, relevant content with fantastic speakers and sessions lined up. I am incredibly pleased to tell you that we have all nine regions represented. We are thrilled that the Hon Reece Whitby MLA is hosting us for Day One and also excited that he will be attending our BAH. Thank you, Minister Whitby.

Thank you to everyone who has registered so far, and a reminder that registrations close at 5pm today – so if you are planning on joining us, please book your spot HERE asap.

For all the info on our Forum read here.

Our Business After Hours on Thursday night is also looking brilliant. A big thank you to our co-hosts Horizon Power and Accor Hotels WA – with over 80 people registered it will be an event with first class networking, delicious regional food and plenty of opportunities to connect and engage. We are looking forward to it.

DTWD - Seeking Your Feedback on Occupations Needed – Deadline June 18th
The Department of Training and Workforce Development is consulting with key stakeholders on the policy settings and occupations eligible for the State Nominated Migration Program (SNMP) for the 2021-22 program year.

They are looking for feedback on skill demands/pressures for the six industries below.

  1. Mining
  2. Construction
  3. Professional, Scientific and Technical Services.
  4. Manufacturing
  5. Accommodation and Food Services
  6. Health Care and Social Assistance

These six industries have been identified as being crucial for WA’s economic recovery.

The attached consultation paper provides a list of occupations that are eligible to be considered for the SNMP program, which is a subset of the Commonwealth migration lists. They are seeking your feedback on the following five questions:

  1. Which occupations are suitable/not suitable for inclusion on the State’s own nominated occupation list for migration?
  2. Which occupations are only suitable for temporary or short-term migration?
  3. Are you aware of any legislative or licensing constraints that would prevent an occupation being filled by an overseas worker?
  4. Which occupations currently available through the Graduate Stream should also be considered for the General Stream?
  5. Are there any other occupations that should be considered for inclusion in the State’s nominated occupation list for migration?

They are particularly interested in whether you have had any industry feedback/consultations that has identified worker shortages/occupation restraints that have been further exacerbated by the international border closure. Whilst the Commonwealth Government is responsible for the migration program, our SNMP program may play a small part in addressing worker shortages.

Your feedback is requested by close of business 18 June 2021 by return email: kathy.hoare@dtwd.wa.gov.au. They are unable to extend the deadline.

 

RCCIWA invited to take part in the WA Skills Summit
We will be attending the WA Skills Summit by invitation, on June 30th. This important event will give us the opportunity to ensure your current work shortage issues and possible solutions are heard and contributed to the state wide conversation. I will be in touch over the next couple of weeks to get more direct feedback from you – to ensure we can put all the relevant information forward. See more information and the link below.

Premier Mark McGowan and Education and Training Minister Sue Ellery in May announced a Western Australia 2021 Skills Summit for June 30, to meet with leaders across a number of sectors including the resources, defence, construction and healthcare industries. The aim of the summit is to hear from some of WA’s business leaders on what more can be done collaboratively, and more immediately, to address existing skills needs across sectors to ensure the WA workforce can continue to advance the State and keep WA globally competitive in the coming years.

RCCIWA Member Engagement
It has been a busy month here at RCCIWA with increased contact with all of our members – which is exactly what we are here for (and what we love). A few highlights to mention:

  • Visited Port Hedland and spent time with our members, the Port Hedland CCI. I was the MC for their annual Port Hedland Economic and Resources Forum which was a fantastic event – loved being involved. Congrats to the PHCCI for putting together such an important and worthwhile event.
  • Visited Karratha this week to take part in the Grow Local Business After Hours and spend time with our members, the Karratha & Districts CCI. It was a whirlwind trip, but just so great to spend time with the KDCCI and try and absorb all that is happening in Karratha. We are so proud to be part of Grow Local - a program with the aim of supporting, connecting and educating local Karratha businesses so they have every opportunity for business growth.
    ​About to enter our third year of delivery, the event was about celebrating what has been achieved so far and looking forward to what we will deliver in the next 12 months. It’s very exciting! Of course, none of this would be possible without our amazing partners - Rio Tinto, Woodside, Chevron, City of Karratha and Toll Group. Their genuine commitment, support and collaborative approach is very much appreciated and valued.
  • Working with the Carnarvon CCI on developing a business building program which will also consolidate and grow their Chamber. Watch this space……
  • Coordinated feedback from the majority of our members about the issues they would like raised and discussed at next weeks Forum. This information and the conversations also help us form our priority plans for the year going forward, so thank you to everyone for your feedback.