Committee for Perth was pleased to host the Premier’s Address 2025 with the Hon. Roger Cook MLA, Premier of Western Australia, bringing together leaders from business, government and industry to reflect on a defining year for Perth and the State.
The address provided valuable insights into Western Australia’s economic direction, its growing global relevance, and the important role Perth plays in supporting long‑term prosperity, resilience and liveability.
A Defining Moment for Perth and Western Australia
The Premier reflected on 2025 as a turning point for Perth and Western Australia. With increasing international engagement and record levels of global interest, the State is emerging as a strategic hub for investment, trade and industry.
Western Australia welcomed more than 100 international missions during the year, demonstrating growing confidence in the State’s economic fundamentals and long‑term outlook. Perth’s location, capability and experience across agriculture, mining, energy, manufacturing and shipbuilding position it as a critical gateway to the Indo‑Pacific and beyond.
Western Australia Open for Investment and Trade
A key announcement during the address was the release of Western Australia: A Global Leader in Investment and Trade, a resource designed to highlight the State’s strong economy and diverse investment opportunities.
The Premier reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to economic diversification, with a focus on ensuring Western Australia remains the strongest economy in the nation. This includes initiatives aimed at strengthening investment attraction, improving industry facilitation and regulation, and positioning Perth and the State as global leaders in emerging industries.
Building a Diversified and Climate‑Ready Economy
Central to the Premier’s remarks was the importance of building a more diversified, resilient and future‑focused economy. Priorities outlined included renewable energy production, decarbonisation, securing water supplies in a drying climate, expanding advanced manufacturing, and continuing to develop a skilled and adaptable workforce.
These priorities reflect a long‑term approach to economic growth that balances productivity with sustainability and supports Perth’s transition to a low‑carbon future.
Perth at the Centre of Global Change
Referencing significant developments such as AUKUS investments, renewable energy milestones and Western Australia’s population surpassing three million, the Premier highlighted how Perth is no longer on the edge of global activity. Instead, the city is increasingly situated at the intersection of geopolitical, economic and technological change.
This evolving role presents an opportunity to shape how Perth grows, ensuring it remains liveable, competitive and well‑connected as it continues to attract people, skills and investment.
Planning for Perth to 2050
Looking ahead, the Premier spoke to the importance of clearly defining the pathway to 2050. Cities around the world benefit from having coordinated, long‑term plans that align policy, infrastructure, investment and governance.
This thinking aligns closely with Committee for Perth’s 2050 Summit: Championing a Plan for Perth, which called for greater collaboration and a shared vision to guide growth. One of the Summit’s key actions is advocating for the establishment of a Perth Region Taskforce to help develop a long‑term plan for the metropolitan region, drawing inspiration from global examples such as the Auckland Plan.
Turning Strategy Into Action
The event also recognised the important work of Committee for Perth’s three working groups focused on Decarbonisation, Densification, and Economic Diversification. The recommendations emerging from these groups aim to support Perth in becoming one of the most climate‑ready, liveable and economically competitive cities in the world.
This work demonstrates the value of collaboration across government, business, academia and the community in delivering meaningful outcomes for Perth’s future.
Continuing the Conversation
The Premier’s Address 2025 reinforced the importance of strong partnerships between government and business in shaping Perth’s next chapter. As advocates for the city and region, Committee for Perth members remain committed to driving evidence‑based policy, long‑term planning and constructive dialogue.
Committee for Perth looks forward to continuing the conversation and progressing the ideas that will shape a prosperous, sustainable and globally connected Perth through to 2050 and beyond.
