Laud & Saviour

WA’s top mining bosses praise the leadership of the outgoing Premier, highlighting the hard border during COVID and trade advocacy

Western Australia’s top mining bosses have praised the leadership of outgoing Premier Mark McGowan — particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic — describing him as a “strong advocate” for the resources-reliant State.

Hancock Prospecting executive chairman Gina Rinehart highlighted Mr McGowan’s management of the virus, which allowed WA’s resources sector to continue operating virtually uninterrupted as a result of the hard border.

“Premier McGowan well understood that investment and development is the key to the success of West Australia, and to maintaining living standards,” Mrs Rinehart said in a statement.

“During the pandemic, he worked successfully to keep the resources sector operating, which powered both the West Australian and Australian economies and kept hundreds of thousands of people directly and indirectly employed during a very difficult time. Premier McGowan has been a strong advocate for WA.”

In a bombshell announcement yesterday , an “exhausted” Mr McGowan announced he was stepping down after more than six years in the role and 30 years in public life.

The contributions he made to the resources industry during his tenure also included the establishment of a $750 million community investment fund, backed by large WA mining companies, to pay for legacy projects; a commitment to retire Collie’s State-owned coal-fired power stations by 2030; and a pledge to invest $3.8 billion in green electricity infrastructure.

The Premier repeatedly stressed the importance of ties to China and the need to strengthen Western Australia’s relationship with its most important trading partner, travelling to Beijing in April for a five-day trade mission.

“To the business community who have worked collaboratively with my government to help make our economy as strong as it is today, thank you,” he said yesterday.

Rio Tinto iron ore chief executive Simon Trott said Mr McGowan’s “great legacy” would be leaving the State in a strong position.

“His government provided a stable fiscal and regulatory environment and strengthened WA’s trade relationships, underpinning the mining industry’s confidence to continue to invest in the State,” Mr Trott said.

BHP WA Iron Ore asset president Brandon Craig agreed Mr McGowan had been a “fearless advocate” for West Australians and the resources industry.

“I particularly thank him for his support during the pandemic to help keep our communities and operations safe,” Mr Craig said.

Mineral Resources boss Chris Ellison said Mr McGowan had led a government “focused on solving problems and working with business to get things done”. He said this had been the case both during the pandemic and throughout his tenure as Premier.

“Western Australia is without a doubt a stronger and more successful State because of Mark’s hard work and pragmatic leadership,” Mr Ellison said.

“I’m confiident Mark will continue to make a big contribution outside of the political arena and I wish him all the best on the next stage of his career.”

Woodside Energy chief executive Meg O’Neill said Mr McGowan had backed the gas sector “as a reliable and affordable source of energy for WA households and businesses”.

“Woodside thanks Premier McGowan for his contribution to the people and business community of Western Australia across more than 25 years of public service,” Ms O’Neill said.

Chamber of Commerce and Industry WA chief executive Chris Rodwell described the 55-year-old’s time at the helm as “exceptional”, given he immediately set about slashing spending and devising a plan to reduce debt.

“WA now boasts the most enviable set of books in the nation, and our AAA credit rating is reinstated,” Mr Rodwell said.

Mr McGowan said he would leave Parliament as Premier and the member for Rockingham by the end of the week.