Ms Rita Saffioti MLA has been appointed as Minister for Transport, Planning and Lands in the incoming WA State Government.
The Australian Logistics Council welcomed the appointment. “ALC has had positive dealings in the past with the incoming Minister, and we look forward to building on that productive relationship as she assumes her new responsibilities”, said Michael Kilgariff, ALC Managing Director.
“It’s also positive to see WA’s former Minister for Transport, the Hon Alannah MacTiernan, return to Cabinet. Her extensive experience in transport and planning issues will be a further asset for the transport industry.”
“It’s especially pleasing that a single Minister will be responsible for both the Transport and Planning portfolios.”
“One of the biggest challenges facing the logistics sector has been a continuing disconnect between those two key policy areas. Having a single Minister responsible for both will prove an enormous advantage”, Mr Kilgariff said.
“In particular, we must ensure that planning policy takes adequate account of future freight needs, including the protection of freight transport corridors from encroaching residential and commercial development.”
“WA’s economy is heavily reliant on exports, particularly from the mineral resource and agricultural sectors. Continuing to build capacity in these areas is critical to driving employment growth.”
“As such, it is imperative that the safe and efficient movement of freight from point of origin to market is a core consideration in the development of transport and infrastructure policy”, Mr Kilgariff said.
“ALC looks forward to engaging with the new Minister on the key issues facing the logistics sector in WA. In particular, we will work closely with the incoming WA Government on the development of the National Freight and Supply Chain Strategy during the coming year.”
“The Strategy will be crucial in establishing greater certainty for infrastructure spending and investment beyond the political cycle.”
