CCI adds WA touch at United Nations Convention - 5 February 08
One of the key issues facing business is the shift in the Federal Government's climate change policy and the resulting ramifications for business. CCI Industry Policy director Trevor Lovelle attended the recent climate change convention in Bali, where he contributed to the discussions alongside inte...
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From boom to bust - 19 October 07
Labor's plan to abolish workplace agreements could trigger a downward spiral for WA's resources sector
Until the mid 1880s, WA's economy was based on wheat, meat and wool, but in 1885 a major shift occurred in the State's outlook with the first gold discovery at Halls Creek.
This initial find tri...
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The business of Human Rights - 19 October 07
In a submission to the State Government's consultation on a proposed WA Human Rights Act, CCI has supported human rights protections, but cautioned against creating unnecessary or complex bureaucratic regimes.
The rights contained in the draft Act are largely confined to civil and political rights....
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An alternative approach to energy? - 12 September 07
The climate change debate has sparked renewed interest in alternative energy sources.
CCI has explored the possibilities for WA's non-fossil fuel industry in a comprehensive submission to the Commonwealth Parliament in which six alternative fuels for electricity generation were considered: wind, s...
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WA's project approvals process in need of urgent overhaul - 1 August 07
In the wake of the current economic cycle which is delivering unprecedented growth and opportunities for the State and the nation, WA can ill afford an inefficient approvals process that stifles development and limits opportunities
The Review of the Project Development Approvals System 2002 (the Ke...
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The climate change challenge for business - 6 July 07
Climate change continues to dominate the news on a global level; so intense is the swirl around how to reduce carbon emissions, the issue has become the pendulum for many countries' election debates, including Australia.
What does the science say? Scientists now agree overwhelmingly on several key ...
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Meeting the Future Gas Needs of Western Australia - May 07
In an extensive report examining the West Australian gas industry, CCI has put forward an action agenda to address concerns that future domestic gas supplies and prices may suffer in the face of soaring world demand for LNG.
The CCI report proposes a range of measures, chiefly to accelerate the dev...
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Environment heats up business' back pocket
As interest in environmental issues continues to rise; so too it seems do costs for associated businesses.
The Department of Environment and Conservation announced on 24 May 2007 an increase in fees over the next two years for licensing, registrations, and works approvals for prescribed premises.
...
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Second-best electricity measures won’t achieve goals
CCI welcomes the Electricity Industry Act which recently passed through State Parliament, but fears the partial reforms to the WA electricity sector will be insufficient to generate the competition, investment and innovation the sector so desperately requires.
The Act provides the legislative power...
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Western Power: Reform is the solution, not the problem
If ever a demonstration was needed that the electricity industry in WA requires an overhaul and opening up to competition, the mayhem that occurred on 18 February was it.It showed how reliant the state is on an under-challenged monopoly utility, and that customer and market considerations are not be...
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Draft greenhouse strategy takes sound approach
CCI believes the State Government has taken a commonsense approach in its development of the draft WA Greenhouse Strategy, which was released late last year. CCI’s Greenhouse Reference Group was reconvened in January to discuss CCI’s response to the strategy. Submissions close on 15 March. The strat...
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Struggle to the last for electricity reform
A 15-year struggle by industry for an open and competitive electricity market in Western Australia culminates this month with long-awaited reform legislation facing an uncertain outcome in the Upper House of State Parliament. In a late development as Business Pulse went to print, future Liberal lead...
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Legislative responsibilities in environment increasing
A ream of new developments in environmental legislation this year could have far-reaching effects on the way industry operates in Western Australia. CCI continues to be closely involved in the Government’s development of these key environmental policies, in particular, making strong representations ...
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Industry relieved after water licence fees dropped
CCI has welcomed the State Government’s decision to drop plans for introducing water licensing fees and a more expansive charging regime to contribute towards the cost of managing the state’s water resources. In a win for industry, the Government has instead decided to concentrate on how water resou...
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Greenhouse strategy: No targets or trading for industry
Premier Gallop has confirmed to CCI that the Government will not introduce state-based greenhouse gas abatement targets or a state-based carbon trading system. Following strong representation from CCI and senior industry members, the Premier wrote to CCI recently confirming the Government’s decision...
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CCI represented on electricity stakeholder groups
CCI has nominated a number of people for inclusion in stakeholder groups established to provide feedback on aspects of the reform process for the WA electricity market. There was strong enthusiasm from members to contribute to the process. Many of CCI’s representatives are involved in the working gr...
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Gorgon decision sends positive investment message overseas
The proponents made a strong case which was supported by an independent study that affirmed the project was only viable if it proceeded on Barrow Island. CCI made two submissions to the earlier departmental review of this proposal and wrote directly to Cabinet Minsters urging them to grant in-princi...
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Gap in controlled waste regulations
CCI is concerned about the gap in regulation of controlled waste. The Department of Environment (DoE) has repealed the liquid waste regulations and is no longer managing the WasteTrack system. However, the amended regulations which will fill the gap are still in draft. The repeal of the liquid waste...
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Principles developed at CCI licensing forum
CCI recently hosted a successful licence forum which was attended by a range of industry representatives and Department of Environment officers. The need for the forum arose from the community and the Department of Environment’s (DoE) increasing focus on the performance of industry, and enforcement ...
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CCI addresses skill shortages in WA
The anecdotal evidence CCI has been receiving, in line with the commencement of several projects, is that employees in many of these skill areas are becoming more difficult to find and, for many companies in metropolitan and regional areas, more difficult to retain with the lure of high earnings on ...
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CCI welcomes Cabinet’s electricity reform endorsement
State Cabinet has given final approval to implement the Electricity Reform Task Force’s blueprint for reform of the WA electricity sector. CCI strongly supports Cabinet’s decision. The Chamber has been pressing for reform of the type proposed by the Task Force for more than a decade. Reform of the W...
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Much at stake for WA in Gallop verdict on Gorgon
The moment of truth is approaching for the Gallop Government with its decision due next month on whether or not to approve in principle the state’s next major resource development – a $6 billion investment in plant and infrastructure to open up the massive Gorgon gas field off the Pilbara coast. The...
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Increase in licence fees
The Department of Environment is set to increase environmental licences, works approval, registration fees and introduce fees for licensed surface and groundwater usersEnvironmental licensesIn a move towards full cost recovery for the provision of regulatory services, the discharge component of envi...
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State Sustainability Strategy concerns remain
The State Sustainability Strategy, when finalised, will have far reaching effects on WA and how it does business. The draft strategy did not recognise the ability of the market to deliver sustainable development outcomes and the requirement to deliver simultaneous positive outcomes in all three area...
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Increase in environmental licence fees
The Department of Environment is proposing to increase environmental license, works approval ad registration fees. The Expenditure Review Committee of State Cabinet has directed the Department to achieve full cost recovery for the provision of regulatory services over the next three years and stated...
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