WA Impact Statement COVID-19 - pandemic - Government of ...
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WA Impact Statement COVID-19 pandemic July 2021
Acknowledgment of Country: The Government of Western Australia acknowledges the traditional custodians throughout Western Australia and their continuing connection to the land, waters and community. We pay our respects to all members of Aboriginal communities and their cultures; and to Elders past, present and emerging. © State of Western Australia 2021 There is no objection to this plan being copied in whole or part provided there is due acknowledgment of any material quoted or reproduced. Published by the Department of the Premier and Cabinet, Western Australia, July 2021. This report is available at WA.gov.au
Contents Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic 1 At a glance 2 Known impacts: Health 7 Known impacts: Economic and infrastructure 12 Known impacts: Social 16 Known impacts: Industry 19 Known impacts: Regions 24
Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic
---
-.
This statement provides an overview of remains one of the strongest in
the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic the nation.
on Western Australia. It updates the
The availability of safe and effective
WA Impact Statement released by the
vaccines against COVID-19 offers the
Government in December 2020.
community the best possible opportunity
Compared to other parts of the to manage the health risks of COVID-19
world, there has been a low number into the future. WA is making good
of COVID-19 cases in the state. The progress in administering vaccines.
coordinated response, border controls,
Along with managing recovery from
and the community’s adherence to
the COVID-19 pandemic, the WA
the guidelines and restrictions have
Government continues to support
protected everyone.
residents and businesses impacted by
During February, April and June 2021, Cyclone Seroja, the Wooroloo bushfires,
brief lockdowns were put in place and flooding in the Mid-West and
to prevent community transmission Kimberley earlier this year.
of the virus.
This statement summarises the current
Success in managing the spread of and emerging impacts of the pandemic,
COVID-19 continues to bolster the taking into consideration ongoing
state's reputation as a safe place measures implemented to prevent the
to live, work and do business. The spread of the virus and support both
economy continues to grow and economic and community recovery.
This includes the continued rollout of
the $5.8 billion WA Recovery Plan.
The economy continues
to grow and remains
one of the strongest
in the nation.
1
At a glance
Health
The health system maintains capacity to respond to surges and is focused on the
rollout of the vaccine program.
• At 30 June 2021, there have been • Emergency department attendance
1,028 total confirmed cases of numbers have increased over the 15
COVID-19 in WA including nine months between April 2020 and June
deaths. 2021. Attendances in June 2021 were
13.9% (11,573) higher than the same
• At 30 June 2021, more than 1,350,057
period in 2020.
COVID-19 tests have been performed,
and the state’s testing capacity • Use of telehealth services has
was demonstrated with 21,443 tests increased significantly with a total
conducted in a 24-hour period during of 997,557 appointments delivered
the June 2021 lockdown. between March 2020 and June 2021.
• At 30 June 2021, 726,802 COVID-19 • The mental health impacts of the
vaccine doses have been administered pandemic continues to be a key
in WA (Australian Government and WA issue, particularly for young people,
Health programs), inclusive of 144,955 and are expected to be further realised
people who have received both doses. in the months and years to come.
21,443 tests were
conducted in a 24-hour
period during the brief
June 2021 lockdown.
2
Both business and consumer
confidence in Western Australia
remain above pre-COVID-19
pandemic levels.
Economic and infrastructure
The WA economy continues to demonstrate its strength.
• The domestic economy (measured • More hiring is expected in the near
by State Final Demand) increased term, with job vacancies in May 2021
by 3% in the March 2021 quarter close to their highest level in around
and by 3.8% in year-ended terms, nine years and almost 65% above
reaching its highest quarterly level pre-COVID-19 pandemic levels.
in five years. State Final Demand
• WA has more than fully recovered the
growth in the March 2021 quarter
initial jobs lost due to the COVID-19
was underpinned by 11.5% growth in
pandemic while the unemployment
business investment, the strongest
rate was just 4.7% in May, the lowest
rise in nine years.
since December 2013 and the lowest
• All key components of the domestic of all states.
economy are now back above pre-
• Support from the WA and Australian
COVID-19 pandemic levels, aside
Governments has also led to a
from household consumption (which
significant increase in activity in the
is being impacted by international
construction industry, with a large
travel restrictions).
pipeline of work creating jobs across
• Both business and consumer the state.
confidence in WA remain above
pre-COVID-19 pandemic levels.
3
Arts, culture and sports
facilities remain open
and provide opportunities
for recreation, social
connection and wellbeing.
Social
While economic recovery continues to be above expectations, pressure remains on
key social areas.
• Homelessness support referrals (family) assault offences between
have been tracking at or below 2019 March 2020 and May 2021 than in the
levels since March 2020. May 2021 same period in 2019-20.
referrals were the highest reported
• Demand for the Emergency Relief
since early 2020, but decreased in
and Food Access Service has been
June 2021.
increasing since November 2020,
• Housing availability is a concern, with reaching a peak in March 2021, with
the stock of rental properties at very slight declines in May and June 2021
low levels statewide. Median rental
• Arts, culture and sports facilities
prices in Perth have risen over the
remain open and provide
past year while the vacancy rate, at
opportunities for recreation, social
1.2% in June 2021, remains well below
connection and wellbeing. However in
the equilibrium rate of 3%.
the event of a lockdown, restrictions
• There has been an increase in can cause disruption to the industry,
reported incidents of family and specifically planning related to events
domestic violence, with 11.3% more and travel.
4
Industry
The ongoing impact and speed of recovery continues to vary across industries, with
the remaining restrictions, levels of government support and external environment
having different effects on different industries.
• Growth in retail trade has reached • Ongoing travel restrictions continue
historic highs, increasing by 15.4% in to constrain WA’s trade in services
annual average terms to April 2021. (including tourism and international
Spending in April 2021 was 16% above education), as well as larger
pre-COVID-19 pandemic levels. entertainment events. Services
exports have declined by a record
• Underpinned by support from the
42.6% in the year to March 2021.
WA and Australian Governments,
However, the redirection of spending
residential construction continues to
to the local tourism market has
show exceptional strength. Building
provided partial compensation for
approvals are up a record 81%
the tourism sector.
annually to May 2021, while finance
for new dwelling construction was up • Skills shortages have emerged as
145.8% – also a record. a pressing issue across a range
of industries, exacerbated by the
• The global economic recovery has led
restricted availability of labour from
to significant increases in commodity
interstate and overseas. There are
prices and record sales values for
reports of skills shortages in industries
WA’s mining industry. Reflecting this,
that are central to the state’s
the value of merchandise exports
economic recovery, including mining,
reached a record high of $213.8 billion
construction and transport, as well as
in the year to May 2021.
in the health and hospitality sectors.
Growth in retail
trade has reached
historic highs.
5
Regional food and agriculture
businesses have seen
considerable investment
over the last 12 months.
Regions
WA’s regions are recovering strongly and, while each region is recovering differently
and challenges remain, opportunities are emerging with more than 15,000 jobs
created over the last 12 months and job advertisements continuing to increase.
• Economic conditions are improving • The ‘Wander out Yonder’ campaign
across the board, with a steady has been very successful in
pipeline of WA Recovery Plan encouraging Western Australians
projects flowing through to regions to travel and holiday in the regions.
and ensuring local opportunities are
• Regional unemployment fell to 4.6% in
maximised.
May. JobActive numbers indicate that
• The number of Jobactive cases in the shifts in employment are resulting in
regions rose from 16,464 in the week an increased number of over 50 year
ending 23 February 2020 to 27,903 olds and part-time casual workers
at the end of June 2020, but have (who are disproportionately female)
since eased to 20,882 at the end of becoming unemployed.
June 2021.
• Demand for regional housing is driving
• Regional food and agriculture new building approvals to record
businesses have seen considerable levels, with many regions experiencing
investment over the last 12 months. increasing rental costs and reduced
While the sector has had to manage availability.
workforce shortages and supply
chain vulnerabilities it has continued
to grow, adding $8.7 billion in export
income in 2020.
6
Known impacts:
Health
...
COVID-19 cases
At 30 June 2021, there have been More than 1,350,057 COVID-19 tests
1,028 total confirmed cases of have been performed. A plan is in place
COVID-19 in WA, including nine deaths. for the rapid surge of testing across
public and private sector pathology
providers, including specimen collection
and laboratory services. This testing
capacity has been verified with 21,443
tests conducted in a 24-hour period
during the June 2021 short four-day
lockdown.
Vaccination program
At 30 June 2021, a total of 726,802
COVID-19 vaccine doses have been
administered in WA, following the
commencement of the vaccination
program on 22 February 2021.
Cases
COVID-19 cases
500
Cases
500
450
450
400
400
350
350
300
300
250
250
200
200
150
150
100
100
50
50
0
0
I I ■ I ■ I I I -I I - ■
Month
Source: Department of Health
Month
7COVID·
Vaccination Cl
As of 30 June 2021, 144,955 Western Vaccine hesitancy is a key challenge
Australians have received both for the success of the vaccine rollout
doses of either the AstraZeneca or across the state.
Pfizer vaccine.
Recent directions under the Public
In May 2021, vaccinations were made Health Act 2016 have mandated that,
available to the general population from 10 May 2021, anyone working in
in health and other facilities in WA’s hotel quarantine system must be
metropolitan and regional WA for those vaccinated against COVID-19.
eligible in Phase 1a, 1b, people over
In July 2021, expansions to WA's
the age of 50, and people under the
vaccination program were announced to
age of 50 with a medical condition or
allow more eligible Western Australians
disability. From 8 June 2021, all Western
to get vaccinated at new clinics from
Australians aged 30 years and over
September in Perth CBD, Midland and
could register to receive a vaccination.
regional WA.
800,000
800,000
People in WA vaccinated
700,000
700,000
600,000
600,000
500,000
500,000
400,000
400,000
300,000
300,000
200,000
200,000
100,000
100,000
00 ......... ,,,,11111111111111111111111111111111
Cumulative first doses Cumulative second doses
Cumula�ve
Cumula�veFirst
FirstDoses
Doses Cumula�ve
Cumula�veSecond
SecondDoses
Doses
Source: Department of Health
8Health system readiness
Ensuring the health system’s capacity are approximately 640 contact tracers
to respond to widespread community available on a surge register.
transmission remains a key priority,
with an expanded vaccination program Waitlist for elective surgery
and overarching integrated outbreak
plan as well as both service and Following restrictions to elective surgery
community specific outbreak plans imposed during lockdowns in early
in place. February and late April 2021, elective
surgery returned to full capacity at
COVID-19 clinics continue to operate 1 May 2021. From 2 June 2021 some
at Royal Perth Hospital, Fiona Stanley non-urgent elective surgeries have been
Hospital, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital rescheduled to help ease pressure on
and in Bunbury, Midland, Rockingham, the hospital system. During the four-day
Armadale, Joondalup, Kununurra and lockdown in June 2021 there was a
Broome. pause on all non-urgent procedures.
There remains a good supply of
personal protective equipment (PPE), Emergency department
with a dedicated procurement team attendances
maintaining targets for PPE, medical
Attendance numbers have increased
equipment and health care supplies
over the last 15 months with 28,194
from existing and new suppliers.
more attendances between April 2020
At 19 May 2021, the Department of and June 2021. Attendances in June
Health employed 50 full-time equivalent 2021 were 13.9% (11,573) higher than
(FTE) contact tracers. In addition, there the same period in 2020.
9Innovation and digital health
The COVID-19 pandemic has appointments which saw an increase
highlighted the importance of access to of 66% from May 2021 compared
appropriate digital services, supports to October 2019. In April 2021, 23%
and infrastructure in the delivery of of all outpatient appointments were
healthcare. This is evidenced by a rapid conducted virtually (telehealth and
escalation in telehealth and telephone telephone).
Telehealth/telephone attended appointments
90,000
80,000
70,000
60,000
50,000
40,000
30,000
20,000
Jan-19
Feb-19
Mar-19
Apr-19
May-19
Jun-19
Jul-19
Aug-19
Sep-19
Oct-19
Nov-19
Dec-19
Jan-20
Feb-20
Mar-20
Apr-20
May-20
Jun-20
Jul-20
Aug-20
Sep-20
Oct-20
Nov-20
Dec-20
Jan-21
Feb-21
Mar-21
Apr-21
May-21
Source: Department of Health
Mental health
The mental health impacts of the have returned to pre-pandemic
pandemic continue to be realised levels. In August 2020, estimated
across WA, with contributing factors methamphetamine consumption
including the separation of families both decreased to a four-year low, however
interstate and overseas, working from signs that consumption is returning
home, and pressures relating to rental to pre-pandemic levels have started
and job security. to emerge.
Between July 2020 and April 2021, A range of measures has been put in
there were 54,909 mental health related place to support those in need including
emergency department attendances the expansion of mental health, alcohol
across WA, an increase of 4.0% and other drug services across the
compared to the same period in state; provision of community-based
2019-20. accommodation services; and funding
for existing services to adjust to the
While some alcohol-related harm
impacts of the pandemic.
indicators diminished during the
early stages of the pandemic, most
10At-risk people and communities
Older people and residents of residential Partnerships between key agencies
aged care facilities are among the have been developed to enable
most vulnerable to COVID-19. To accurate and credible information
support preparedness, WA Health has about the vaccine program to be
undertaken proactive engagement provided to Aboriginal communities.
including co-developing and testing
Vaccination rollout for people with
outbreak plans and providing free
disability has been challenging due to
personal protective equipment to all
restrictions on the administration of
residential aged care facilities state-
vaccinations to certain age cohorts,
wide. In addition, it is now delivering
issues relating to consent and
the COVID-19 vaccination program to
eligibility of family members for priority
residential aged care facilities staff.
vaccinations. The Australian and WA
People experiencing homelessness are Departments of Health have made
also highly vulnerable to COVID-19. The health messaging available in various
Discharge Facilitation Fund has been formats to assist people with disability
established to support safe discharge and disability service providers.
by providing flexible funding for short
COVID-19 also poses additional
term accommodation, taxis, transport,
challenges for culturally and
travel home to country and mobile
linguistically diverse people, especially
phone credit. Support for homeless
those with lower levels of English and
people is also provided by Homeless
health literacy such as refugees and
Healthcare which provides mobile street
humanitarian entrants. To address this,
and fixed site clinics in inner-city Perth.
the health system continues to work
with agencies that engage directly with
Aboriginal people are at greater risk
multicultural communities to provide
during a pandemic. This risk has been
clear and easily understood health
reflected in clinical guidelines and
messaging in different languages.
planning related to COVID-19. Supply
and logistics for delivering the vaccine Regional response plans have been
to remote communities across WA revised and continue to be tested as
presents several challenges. Substantial part of WA Country Health Service’s
planning and collaboration between assurance program. Regional ports
service providers to support vaccine continue to be involved in activating
implementation strategies are ongoing. and testing outbreak plans.
11Known impacts:
Economic and infrastructure
---
Economic update Skills
Following a severe 6% decline in Job vacancies have risen to be almost
the June 2020 quarter, the state’s 65% above pre-pandemic levels in May
domestic economy has grown for three 2021. While this aligns with positive
consecutive quarters and is now at its momentum across the economy,
highest quarterly level in five years (at it may also partially be attributed
March 2021). The 2020-21 Pre-election to businesses having trouble filling
Financial Projections Statement projects advertised positions, with widespread
2.25% State Final Demand growth in anecdotal reports of skills shortages
2020-21 and 2% growth in the total across a range of industries.
economy (measured by Gross State
The WA Government’s Skills Summit
Product). WA Government revenue
plans to hear from business leaders
has continued to be more resilient
on what more can be done to address
than previously estimated, aided by
skills needs to ensure the workforce
a stronger than expected economic
continues to be globally competitive
recovery and commodity prices
in the coming years.
(especially for iron ore).
Job vacancies have
risen to be almost 65%
above pre-pandemic
levels in May 2021.
12Jobs
Underpinned by stronger economic unemployment rate has fallen to 4.7% in
conditions, WA has now more than May 2021. Job advertisements were near
fully recovered the initial jobs lost a nine year high in May 2021, indicating
due to the pandemic while the state’s that hiring is likely to continue.
Employment
Persons ('000)
1,400
1,375
1,350
1,325
1,300
1,275
1,250
May-17 May-18 May-19 May-20 May-21
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics
NAB business confidence Business confidence
Monthly, seasonally adjusted data
Business confidence in WA,
60 Index Western Australia measured by the NAB Business
Australia
Survey, has been positive for
40
12 consecutive months to May 2021
20 and remains well above
pre-pandemic levels (despite falling
0
slightly in the month).
In trend terms, confidence was the
-20
highest among the states/territories.
-40
A July 2021 survey conducted by the
-60 Chamber of Commerce and Industry
WA found that close to three in five
-80 businesses across the nation are
May-15 May-17 May-19 May-21
expressing an increased interest in
Source: National Australia Bank
shifting their investment to WA.
13Consumer sentiment
The Westpac-Melbourne Institute
Survey shows consumer sentiment
moderated during the June quarter
2021 but remained above pre-pandemic
levels. The quarterly fall likely reflected
the impact of the lockdowns throughout
the nation.
Index
130
WA consumer sentiment
Index
130
120
120
110
110
100
100
90
90
80
80
70
70
60
Jun-18 Jun-19 Jun-20 Jun-21
60
Jun-18 Source: Westpac/Melbourne
Jun-19 Institute
Jun-20 Jun-21
Consumer spending
Real retail trade grew by 8.8% in annual (up $836 million), and higher tax
average terms to the March 2021 collections (up $576 million) primarily
quarter, the highest growth since 2012. reflecting the strength of the residential
More recent data in nominal terms property market.
shows retail spending fell by 1.5% in
April 2021 (likely due to the three-day Residential construction and
lockdown in late April) but remains housing market
over 16% above pre-pandemic levels Activity in the residential construction
with annual growth strengthening to sector has picked up strongly following
a record. the announcement of construction
grants in early June 2020. Residential
WA Government revenue building approvals reached a total of
General government revenue for the 24,982 in the 11 months to May 2021
first nine months of 2020-21 was compared to 13,183 over the same
$3,678 million higher than the same period a year earlier, representing
period last year. This growth is due an increase of 89.5%. Demand in
mostly to higher royalty income (up the established housing market has
$2,103 million) as a result of a higher also been robust with total sales for
benchmark iron ore price, the timing of detached homes and units increasing by
dividends from public corporations an annual average of 54% in June 2021.
14Sales of motor vehicles
Sales of new vehicles in May 2021 were recovery has not been as strong in the
at their highest since June 2016 (almost Perth CBD as the rest of the state. While
five years), with annual growth reaching spending in the Perth CBD is above pre-
23.3% - the highest of all states/ pandemic levels, it has not grown
territories and well above national as much relative to the whole of WA.
growth of 8.4%.
The WA Government has introduced
initiatives that directly assist those
Perth CBD
most affected by the pandemic such
WA’s domestic economy has bounced as the “Stay, Play and Save” campaign
back strongly, however indicators such which provides discounts to people
as card spending, foot traffic at retail staying in selected hotels on a two-
outlets, number of active merchants and night mid-week stay.
hotel occupancy have all suggested that
15Known impacts:
Social
. -
Family and domestic violence
The WA Police Force reported increases level, they were higher in May 2021
in family assault offences of around compared to the same period a year
11.3% between March 2020 and May ago. There is some concern that lower
2021 compared to the same period 12 government support payments and
months earlier. Although calls to family higher rental costs could exacerbate
and domestic violence helplines have family and domestic violence levels
been tracking at or below last year’s during recovery.
Number of calls to FDV helplines (inc. calls transferred in)
900
800
700
600
500
400
300
200
. .,
100
0
Jun
----~
Jul
---==-
Aug
-----
--:.!!!!=~..---:=----~
Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb
-------·
Mar Apr May
Women - Current year
Women - Previous year
Men - Current year
Men - Previous year
Source: Department of Communities
16Women Housing and homelessness
Women were disproportionately The majority of homelessness demand
affected by unemployment and indicators in June 2021 remain elevated
increased caring responsibilities in the when compared with the same period
early stages of the pandemic. However, in 2020. The public housing waitlist is
once restrictions were lifted, industries up more than 18.5% since March 2020.
with high concentrations of female The rental vacancy rate is 1.2% in June
workers recovered well. For example, 2021, well below the five-year average
while peaking at 8.5% in June 2020, of 3.9%.
female unemployment fell to 4.6% in
May 2021. This was below the national
female unemployment rate
of 4.7%.
!z!
:;:a i
~
~
.,
~ ii
17Community and social Education
capital School attendance for all public school
Following short snap lockdowns in students across weeks 3 to 6 of Term
April and June 2021, the majority of 2 in 2021 was similar to comparative
restrictions on arts, culture, community, historical data.
sports and hospitality venues have now
been lifted. This has encouraged people Crime and justice
to reconnect with local friends, family Following a steady decline throughout
and services, and is improving overall most of 2020, the prisoner population
community wellbeing while continuing to increased by 1.9% from October 2020
provide much-needed revenue and jobs. to May 2021.
A controlled border arrangement is
in place for WA, based on the latest Child protection
public health advice, and permits The number of children in care has
travel interstate and with New remained stable in 2021. At the end
Zealand (subject to conditions). This of May 2021, the number of children
is encouraging Western Australians in care was 3.1% lower than at the end
to reconnect with family and friends of May 2020.
from low risk states/territories and
New Zealand.
Youth unemployment
People ('000)
Youth unemployment in May 220 Youth employment
2021 was 12.1%, the second- People ('000)
220
highest rate of all states/ 210
territories. At May 2021, 210
200
around 74% of the initial
42,900 jobs lost in the 15 200
190
to 24-year age cohort has
190
180
been recovered.
180
170
170
160
160
150
May-17 May-18 May-19 May-20 May-21
150
May-17 Source:
May-18Australian Bureau of Statistics
May-19 May-20 May-21
18Known impacts:
Industry
-.
Agriculture and Retail and hospitality
primary industries Retail trade has been at an elevated
Agriculture, primary industries and level since mid 2020, bolstered by
food have played an important role in stimulus and support measures as well
WA’s economic resilience and recovery as spending diverted by locals from
to date. The sector is the second interstate and overseas travel. The
largest traded sector and has seen short term lockdown in the Perth and
considerable investment to unlock Peel regions in early February 2021
growth opportunities and support led to a large drop in retail turnover
economic diversification. However, like that month, but this almost entirely
a number of industries, the sector has recovered in March 2021. Longer
had to manage workforce shortages term, the pandemic is expected to
and supply chain vulnerabilities given reshape jobs, businesses and consumer
its high export market dependence. The behaviour in these sectors.
state’s relationship with key markets is
vital to maintain and grow this sector.
Agriculture, primary industries and
food have played an important
role in WA’s economic resilience
and recovery.
19Construction
Activity in the construction industry 1,200 over the same period a year
is vibrant, being supported by a range earlier. Industry concerns have now
of WA Government funded projects turned to managing the high demand
and measures. The number of monthly for labour and materials given the large
dwelling approvals has averaged over pipeline of work across the state and
2,700 in the first five months of 2021, constraints on workforce mobility.
compared to an average of just under
Tourism
International border closures and Interstate travel and international travel
uncertainty around interstate borders in the shape of the New Zealand bubble
continue to have an adverse impact have grown visitation but numbers are
on much of the sector. Although relatively small as confidence to travel
Western Australians are spending remains fragile. In prospering regional
record amounts in their own state, this areas, staff availability is an issue due
has not made up for interstate and to the lack of international/interstate
international shortfalls. While regional casual labour. Overall airline service
WA has benefited from increased availability is back to three quarters
spending by Western Australians, of pre-COVID 19 pandemic levels,
Perth, which has traditionally relied on helped by growth in regional (intrastate)
out-of-state visitation, has struggled. capacity.
20International education Sport and recreation
While no new international students Minor impacts have been experienced
are arriving, new enrolments are coming by the sport and recreation industry
from students who are already in WA during the two periods of re-introduced
and have decided to study onshore. restrictions, including postponement of
The net impact has been negative: new fixtures and training and cancellation of
student enrolments for 2020 declined some interstate travel. Fitness centres
by 20% and new enrolments for the and gyms have experienced major
first quarter of 2021 have declined by financial impacts due to strict closures
32%. Small to medium sized private and changes to operating guidelines.
education providers that deliver shorter Uncertainty of future border restrictions
courses have been the most affected remains the biggest impediment for
as they rely on a continual turnover travel related events and planning.
of onshore international students to
generate revenue. The WA Government Culture and the arts
has worked with industry to develop
the International Education Recovery Restrictions and lockdowns in the first
and Renewal Plan. It was released half of 2021 have resulted in a further
in December 2020 with a range of $32 million estimated loss of revenue
initiatives and funding to support the for the culture and arts industry.
sector, expand online activities and Market uncertainty and ongoing travel
rebuild the pipeline of international restrictions continue to limit revenue
students. and employment.
21Manufacturing Resources and energy
With initial concerns of ensuring The global economic recovery has led
local manufacturing capacity of to multi-year highs for the prices of
PPE having been addressed, the nickel, copper and aluminium, while
local manufacturing industry’s focus iron ore prices remain high. This has
has turned to realising longer term led to increases in mineral exploration
opportunities as a result of the expenditure and commitments for new
pandemic's disruption and other global projects. Oil and gas prices have also
trends. For example, the WA Recovery increased since late 2020 but future
Plan provides support for the local development plans remain uncertain
manufacture of wind turbines and amid the growing global push for
railcars for the iron ore industry. decarbonisation. Increased interest in
clean energy is a positive for the state's
emerging renewable hydrogen sector.
22Defence and related
industries
Activity in the defence industries
remains largely unaffected with the
inclusion of an appropriate essential
worker definition. Infrastructure
investment in Henderson to
accommodate naval sustainment and
construction programs is progressing
as planned. Travel restrictions have
affected the ability of the defence and
related industries to conduct business,
and work with Australian Government
departments and specialised
contractors.
Change in employment by industry
All Industries
Financial and Insurance Services
Public Administration and Safety
Health Care and Social Assistance
Administrative and Support Services
Other Services
Arts and Recreation Services
Electricity, Gas, Water and Waste Services
·-
--
Professional, Scientific and Technical Services
Construction
Rental, Hiring and Real Estate Services
Education and Training
----
-- -■
Manufacturing - ,
Retail Trade
Mining
Wholesale Trade --,
Transport, Postal and Warehousing
Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing
Accommodation and Food Services
Information Media and Telecommunications
-40% -30% -20% -10% 0% 10% 20%
■ 14 Mar 2020 to 18 Apr 2020 ■ 14 Mar 2020 to 5 June 2021
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics
23Known impacts:
Regions
WA’s nine regions are vital to the state’s economy. They are home to key agriculture,
mining, manufacturing and tourism industries. They account for one quarter of the
state’s population and produce around one third of the Gross State Product and
95% of exports.
Employment
WA’s regional economy is recovering Job advertisements in the regions
strongly, with more than 15,000 jobs continue to grow and Australian Bureau
created over the last 12 months and job of Statistics labour force data for May
advertisements continuing to increase. 2021 shows employment recovery
There are now more jobs in the regions in regions has been strong.
than people to fill them, with most
In the three months to May 2021,
regions at or near full employment and
employment in regional WA sits 1.7%
job vacancies across all levels of skilled
above pre-pandemic levels compared
and unskilled employment sectors.
to 2% higher in greater Perth.
Job advertisements by regions
1,600 Kimberley
Pilbara
1,400
Mid West-Gascoyne
1,200 Wheatbelt
Great Southern
1,000
Peel
800 Southwest
Goldfields-Esperance
800
400
200
0 =
0
20
20 0 2
0
0
20 20 0 20 20 0 2 1 0 2
1 21 0
21 21
2 2 0 2 2 2 0 2 0 2 2 2 0 2 2 0
6/ / 2 /
7/ 8/ 9 0/ 1/ 2/ 1/ 2/ 3/ 4 5/
0/0 1 /0 1 /0 0/0 1 /1 0/1 1 /1 1 /0 6/0 1 /0 0/0 1 /0
3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 2 3 3 3
Source: Seek.com
24Housing
Most regions are experiencing hospitality, tourism, construction,
significant tightening in the rental education and health.
market. High demand for regional
housing is driving new building Access to labour markets to address
approvals to record levels. Building the shortages has been disrupted
approvals are currently over three times by the pandemic, particularly those
what they were during the height of the sectors which rely on seasonal workers.
pandemic. This demand is most evident In response, the WA Government
in the Southwest and Peel. is working to increase the regional
workforce through initiatives like the
Labour and skills Work and Wander out Yonder and the
Regional WA has a persistent Paid Escape programs (attracting
shortage of service workers across city-based workers to the agricultural,
multiple sectors compounding an tourism and hospitality sectors in
already challenging service delivery regional WA) and Seasonal Worker
environment. Shortages are most Program/Pacific Labour Scheme.
pronounced in primary industries,
25Childcare Remote Aboriginal
Childcare is a critical determinant
communities
of liveability for the regions and a Several remote Aboriginal communities
workforce enabler. Across regional remain closed or only partially open
WA there is an ongoing shortage of to visitors. Ongoing cooperation and
childcare workers with centres reporting collaboration between the government
challenges with attracting and retaining and Aboriginal communities continue
qualified staff to meet mandatory to respond to the safety and wellbeing
staffing ratios. of members of remote Aboriginal
communities across the state.
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