AUSTRALIA’S national resource industry employer group, AREEA, welcomes the appointment of ministers and assistant ministers in portfolios critical to the future prosperity of the resource industry, and for jobs and opportunities across the Australian community.

“AREEA congratulates Michaela Cash and Josh Frydenberg on their appointments to the portfolios of Employment and Women, and Resources, Energy and Northern Australia respectively,” says AREEA executive director, policy and public affairs, Scott Barklamb.

“Minister Cash is very highly regarded by the resource industry for her consultative approach as Assistant Minister for Immigration and Assistant Minister for Women, and her appreciation of the importance of our industry to the national wellbeing.  She brings to the employment portfolio professional experience and a keen interest in workplace relations, which will be a great asset.

“Minister Cash takes on the portfolio at a time when the Productivity Commission is completing a once-in-a-generation workplace relations framework review, and AREEA looks forward to working closely with her on ensuring the system better supports growth, jobs and living standards.

“Increasing workforce gender diversity has also emerged as a key priority for resource employers, and AREEA appreciates the opportunity to continue our work with Minister Cash on bolstering women’s participation across the mining, oil and gas sectors.

“AREEA also looks forward to working closely with Minister Frydenberg as he takes on the important task of enhancing Australia’s reputation as a globally competitive destination for resources investment, and continuing the very positive work of Ian Macfarlane and his predecessors.

“Unlocking greater productivity is one of the key challenges facing our nation, so AREEA welcomes Dr Peter Hendy being appointed as Assistant Minister for Productivity.”

AREEA also pays tribute to long-serving former ministers Eric Abetz and Ian Macfarlane for their support for the resource industry and unwavering commitment to strengthening the economy and lifting living standards of all Australians.

“Mr Abetz leaves the employment portfolio having successfully set Australia on a course to achieve a more modern and flexible workplace relations environment” Mr Barklamb says.

“AREEA thanks Mr Abetz for his commitment to essential reforms in often highly adversarial circumstances. The lasting value of his work will be seen in years to come”.

“Mr Macfarlane has been a dedicated and committed minister for industry, with a strong focus on delivering a framework that fosters the innovation and skills necessary for Australia to be recognised as a resources powerhouse well into the future.  His decades of work with and for the industry have made a very significant national contribution.

“AREEA wishes the outgoing ministers well and looks forward to working with the new Turnbull Ministry to ensure Australia’s resource industry is a more attractive and competitive place to invest and do business. This will ensure the resource industry can play a central role in maximising employment, growth and opportunities for all Australians.”

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