- Premier welcomes PM's decision to not impose inflationary retaliatory tariffs
- Premier working closely with PM on five-point policy response, including a Critical Minerals Strategic Reserve
- WA Government to double down on economic diversification and Made in WA policies
Premier Roger Cook has welcomed Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's response to Trump Administration tariffs announced overnight, backing the PM's call for national unity.
The Prime Minister ruled out retaliatory tariffs on the United States, instead outlining a five-point policy response to the tariffs, focused on bolstering economic resilience and supporting industry to develop new markets.
While all elements of the Commonwealth Government's policy response were relevant to Western Australia, the Premier said he was working closely with the Prime Minister on the details of the proposed Critical Minerals Strategic Reserve.
The Premier said recent decisions by his government were designed to make the Western Australian economy more resilient in globally uncertain times. This included the government's Made in WA policy, as well as recently announced targeted reforms to the WA public sector, which included the creation of the Department of Energy and Economic Diversification and Department of Mines, Petroleum and Exploration.
As stated by Premier Roger Cook:
"I join with the Prime Minister in expressing profound disappointment in the Trump Administration's tariffs on Australia, and other countries around the world.
"My government will double down on our recent initiatives to diversify our economy and make more things in WA - policies we took to the election to protect Western Australian jobs by making our economy more resilient in globally uncertain times.
"The Trump Administration's tariffs are not consistent with the close relationship Australia has enjoyed with the United States over many years.
"I join with the Prime Minister in calling for national unity, and strongly support his decision not to impose retaliatory tariffs, which would only serve to drive up prices for Australian consumers.
"My government will work closely with the Prime Minister, to ensure Western Australian businesses benefit from his five-point policy response to boost economic resilience and develop new markets - including the establishment of a Critical Minerals Strategic Reserve."
