Big issues for WA Policy options for challenges ahead Big issues for WA Policy options for challenges ahead Foreword

Dawn Freshwater

Western Australia is blessed to arrive at better informed solutions. with extraordinary advantages Both UWA and the WA Government that have helped to make it a have important roles to play in safe, prosperous society. But the joining up the hidden wiring between challenges are there, undeniably. knowledge, policy and practice – Big Issues for Western Australia is though not all of the issues highlighted concerned with these challenges. here are for government to solve. We have reflected on our own role as In WA we have much to do to ensure a partner with others in our recent greater equity and fairness, and on Strategic Plan 2020-25. pushing harder to make sure that opportunity structures work for all. Articulating what the essential agenda We have big agendas for environmental is today, and will become in the next stewardship, sustainable agriculture, decade, is a good place to start – as regional development, healthy lives we have done in this publication. and communities that are at ease with Specifying the smartest way to follow themselves. We also have the great up on that agenda is what comes next. privilege to build deep and mutually It is a harder task, and an important respectful relationships with our Indian one for UWA. Ocean neighbours.

In all of these areas the WA Government has its priorities and UWA is engaging with government to make best use of our research insights to support delivery against those areas. UWA is well positioned to engage not just with WA’s Government but with communities, non-profits and industry

uwa.edu.au | 3 Introductory comments

Shamit Saggar

A simple idea sits behind Big There are four main themes that Issues for Western Australia. flow through BIWA. First, the vast It is that UWA’s expertise and geographical spread of WA creates leadership in the knowledge numerous policy challenges in terms of industry should not sit in how to organise resources and efforts. isolation, and instead should be This fact underscores so much of what part of a shared understanding can be achieved in health, education of the issues and challenges and economic development. There are that lie ahead. The point of our examples of good practice that allow expertise is to ensure that better better reallocation of resources but informed decisions can be made WA must necessarily be in the business to improve people’s lives. of looking outwards and learning how other, highly dispersed places We have gathered thoughts and have responded. wisdom on a wide range of issues, and we have looked to key figures We should be aiming to collate cutting- for their perspectives and practical edge expertise in this vital area and suggestions. The short essays make it easy to use in designing, presented here are about setting delivering and evaluating current and priorities, not just for today but for future public policies. WA is a unique 10 to 15 years ahead. The contributing place to live and to govern wisely. But it team individually and collectively have is also a place that doesn’t have all the articulated that sitting back and letting solutions that would best fit its needs. events unfold is not an option. In some cases there is a compelling need for a Secondly, building on an already fresh start or a timely pivot in what we successful economy raises lots of ideas in WA are trying to achieve and how for ‘doing things better’ as well as some to do so. for ‘doing better things’. The long list of supply-side measures in improved

4 | The University of Western Australia infrastructure and raising human in the private sector and elsewhere. based gains are not jeopardised by capital are compelling, for sure, but The model could work in many areas daily politics. behind these sit tricky choices to help including childhood development, avoid economic boom and bust cycles. domestic violence, infrastructure to We hope the audience for BIWA will support wellbeing, and shaping new be better informed across a range Few energy and resource-rich places overseas trade relations. of issues having read, absorbed and have managed to solve this puzzle, and discussed the contributions. We also again it is a reason for looking closely Finally, the status of WA’s Indigenous trust they will be persuaded of the at what has worked, where and why. people stands out, as it has for so long. case for evidence-based public policy, Better informed public policy is vital The lack of progress is arguably one and with this, UWA’s expertise and here in WA for this reason alone. of the biggest reputational challenges know‑how. facing the country. It is frequently Thirdly, putting especially hard policy remarked on by visitors and by WA’s choices into arms-length arrangements neighbours in the Indian Ocean region. makes sense. The risks of not doing It is arguably a stain not just on the so are budgetary short-termism past but also on our future credibility and political distractions. Investing as equals and partners across the for a rainy day has a lot of appeal Indian Ocean region. Australia has clear but the challenge is to make these opportunities to build positive relations commitments hard to unpick. across the region, pulling together with neighbours and equals to foster One approach might be to consult a shared responsibility for the future experts in a structured and ongoing Indian Ocean. It must not be impeded in way to establish four of five areas that its claim to be an ‘honest broker’. could most benefit from a 10 to 15-year horizon to achieve results. The next Answers to this particular challenge stage would be to link say three per are not in short supply. The question is cent of WA’s annual $30bn budget to knowing which work, and making better those objectives with timely updates on use of federal and state policy levers progress informing and driving another so as to concentrate on the biggest discretionary two per cent spend to harms in suicide rates, in incarceration, boost anticipated or actual gains. in better health, and so forth. Early prevention is the key so, again, there This kind of innovation in public policy is a strong case to operate a long-term would draw on practice often found strategy that ensures future, evidence-

uwa.edu.au | 5 Ten things to do

around 100,000 residents. A growing progress beyond a country versus city and more spread out population squabble or a nostalgic wish to wind matters for both economic and social the clock back. Restricting the ever- development. growing footprint of Perth might be part of the answer. And concentrating on 2. Broader economic base the 10 or so towns which might achieve The Western Australian economy a reasonable city status with a distinct is successful, though the pattern of identity may prove more successful. For growth is volatile with successive cycles example, Bunbury as a second city for of booms and busts. The economy is government administration. heavily concentrated in mining and farming. The state is export driven and 4. Training Colin Barnett therefore exposed to the vagaries of School and university education are in world markets. good shape. The same cannot be said ‘Ten Things to Do’ is simply my personal of the training sector. The traditional list of what matters for the future The usual cry is that ‘we need to apprenticeship model is struggling prosperity and success of Western diversify’. But we also need to be as numbers fall. Yet high-level and Australia over the next 30 years. The list careful. Some diversification will come new skills are needed in the emerging is in no particular order and may not naturally with population growth and growth industries. For young people be what many people believe to be there is still more to be done around there is a strong case for a more equal the most important. It reflects my our natural advantages in mining and opportunity in their post-school sense of what we should be paying farming. The big step is to do more with education. attention to, and develop fresh ways of the geo-political advantage of being finding solutions. close to the Indo-Pacific nations with 5. Ageing their huge populations and increasing With longer life expectancy, the reality 1. Population prosperity. Tourism, education, health of an ageing population is a major social Only eight countries in the world have and science are obvious opportunities. change that is already upon us. There a larger geographic area than Western are widespread implications for health Australia. Yet the state has just 2.6 3. Regional development care, housing, transport, town planning million people with around 75 per cent There has been no lack of effort in and so on. For families there will be living in the Perth metropolitan area. regional development, though the issues of the cost and quality of care. The northern half of the state has only results have been mixed. It is time to

6 | The University of Western Australia 6. Aboriginal people preserve for future generations with a few other regional economies could The wellbeing of Aboriginal people is responsibility to protect biodiversity in hope to achieve. It will take a concerted our most pressing social issue. For such both the land and marine environment. effort to maintain this status and to use a prosperous country, the conditions The management of the natural it to our advantage. experienced by so many of the First environment, along with reducing Australians is a national disgrace all forms of pollution, is an ongoing Yet our isolation leaves a gap in our and something on which we will be task and one for which community sense of identity. Perhaps the identity judged. The facts on education, health, expectations are justifiably high. might come as ‘Australia’s west coast’. employment, and housing show a We are also often seen as parochial similar pattern of disadvantage. The 9. Governance and we do need to raise public and tragic loss of life, with suicide rates With a few exceptions, Australia has community standards. Western being amongst the highest in the world, enjoyed good government at both Australia needs to be bold and to is the most disturbing fact. Alcohol and the Commonwealth and state level. display both pride and confidence. drug abuse are major factors in crime This cannot be taken for granted and anti-social behaviour, leading to in an increasingly volatile political The Honourable Colin Barnett MLA is excessive rates of imprisonment. environment. Within our federal system the former Premier of Western Australia there is growing confusion as to which and former member for Cottesloe. 7. Water level of government is responsible for Some 70 per cent of Western Australia what. Respect for the Constitution, is arid desert country. In the more political leaders and public institutions populated south-west, rainfall has is in need of repair. If there is a further declined by 20 per cent in the past 50 decline, then there is a risk of a less years. The desalination of seawater stable Australia. has secured the water supply for the Perth suburbs, but the same cannot For Western Australia, it is a case of be said for the rest of the state. Water asserting our economic significance supply and quality is perhaps the most along with our constitutional rights and significant constraint on the state’s responsibilities. economic potential and the amenity of living. 10. International standing With just 11 per cent of the population, 8. Natural environment Western Australia accounts for around Western Australia has 100 national 45 per cent of Australia’s exports. Our parks, which are in realty state market is outside of Australia. The state parks. It is an extraordinary legacy to has an international standing which

uwa.edu.au | 7 Policy options for the challenges ahead

Prime Minister Morrison to achieve promises to work in partnership. If an important breakthrough at the they are able to do that, there’s a real Council of Australian Governments prospect of substantial acceleration in (COAG) meeting last December. At that closing those notorious gaps in place of meeting all governments agreed to the limited gains over the last decade. work in partnership with Indigenous people in setting their closing the gap To be effective these partnerships objectives and, even more important, in will necessarily be place-based and implementing them. involve all levels of government as well as Indigenous communities. What This commitment was without is needed is localised place-based precedent. In the past, governments development with all governments Fred Chaney have been ready to say they should and their myriad agencies working in work with rather than on Indigenous concert. This can only be achieved Indigenous affairs people but most commonly they if it is driven by local needs and There are plenty of particular have done the opposite. Top-down aspirations. The often stated goals of challenges in this policy area, many command and control approaches coordination and cooperation cannot of which fit under the umbrella of have dominated despite the repeated be achieved unless they are driven ‘closing the gap’. In these areas, the failure of this approach. It is self-evident from the bottom up. concern is to end the social and that improvements in areas such as economic disparities of the Indigenous health education employment and life This involves another substantial population. Others relate to the long- expectancy require Indigenous agency. challenge for governments. The term relationship between first nation The Indigenous people themselves whole structure of government, with peoples and the rest of us, settling the are the critical actors. Top-down its siloed departments and upwards place of first nations within the nation instruction that does not involve the accountability arrangements, demand state. Our options for doing better are willing and active participation of top-down controls. Funding and pretty clear. the Indigenous people themselves in accountability systems need to be improving their education, employment adjusted if place-based partnerships Closing the gap and health changes nothing. are to be achieved. The third challenge On the closing the gap issues, the peak in this area is for remote communities national Indigenous organisations The first challenge to all Australian for whom there is a policy vacuum. sought and obtained the support of governments is to live up to their What are the policies of the three

8 | The University of Western Australia levels of government towards remote Howard proposed it in his term of • a body to facilitate agreement- communities, what future do they government. In response to decades of making, and have? What is needed is clarity of policy indecision on the part of governments, • honesty about our past and present. so governments and communities Indigenous leaders held consultations have an understood framework within around Australia culminating in a Our simple challenge now is to listen which to work. The absence of any meeting at Uluru. What was produced and to act on what we have heard. We comprehensive policy has resulted at that meeting discarded all of the have found that hard to do in the past in endless ad-hoc interventions contentious issues flowing from but this time perhaps? that have brought about increased recognition proposals to that point. dysfunction, poverty and despair in Constitutional conservatives had Hon Fred Chaney AO is the those communities. been worried about the unintended Vice‑President of The Graham (Polly) consequences of amendments, Farmer Foundation. The relationship, about changing the balance between constitutional recognition the courts and the parliament, and and the Uluru statement about introducing the beginnings of a from the heart constitutional Bill of Rights. Instead, Thanks largely to settling native the Uluru Statement from the Heart put title, the relationship is an active all that aside and asked for: work in progress across the country. • the establishment of a First Nations Agreement-making between first Voice enshrined in the Constitution nation peoples and governments and • a Makarrata commission to corporations is now commonplace. supervise a process of agreement- In Western Australia, with substantial making between governments and areas under native title, the Southwest First Nations, and Land Settlement between the state of • truth telling about our history. Western Australia and the Noongar legal entities as well as numerous mining These modest requests do not interfere agreements mean that agreement- with parliamentary supremacy, and ask making is frequent and uncontentious. for no more than: Recognition of Indigenous peoples as • a right to be heard on matters against Indigenous individuals is explicit affecting them (as an antidote to in these agreements. the continuing colonial practice of governments to command The idea of constitutional recognition and control rather than listening has been batted around since John before acting),

uwa.edu.au | 9 The West Australian Government must step up into foreign affairs

Australia had striven very hard to would be ill advised to ignore. recognise the Chinese economy as an As examples: awaking giant from which Australia • Earlier this year former Trade stood to gain enormous benefits. Minister Andrew Robb pulled the cork out of the genie bottle accusing The Washington Post recorded the the Federal Government of having a event as one in which observers could “toxic relationship with China”. not recall a previous occasion “when • Prime Minister Morrison has a prime minister flew from Canberra announced a series of deals all the way across this huge nation to and assistance to South welcome a foreign visitor”! Pacific countries to provide a “counterbalance to investment and Peter Dowding SC Channar became the first overseas influence building loans” by China. mining investment by a Chinese • The Federal Government has In April 1985 when Australians saw company and continues in operation banned the Chinese electronics the television pictures of a diminutive to this day. giant Huawei from being a Hu Yaobang standing on a hilltop supplier to significant Australian in the Pilbara of Western Australia Now, of course, the lock step infrastructure. with a slightly less diminutive Bob between China and Australia and • State Liberal Party members have Hawke who was pointing out to the particularly WA, is a familiar concept criticised the McGowan Government Chinese Communist Party Chairman to everyone and the rise, and rise, of for allowing the Huawei to provide the edges of the proposed iron ore China’s imports of WA’s iron ore has the communications network for mine at Channar, few realised what underpinned a prosperity of jobs and our (very) modest suburban public an extraordinarily important moment infrastructure development that was transport system. that was in the economic history of hardly believable in 1985. Western Australia. All this is happening as the Trump But there are some very worrying administration winds up a positive Under Hawke’s direction and signs for WA–China relations in barrage of rhetoric and action designed assisted with advice from Australian political developments at a federal to adversely affect China’s trading and Ambassador to China, Ross Garnaut, level which the State Government political position in the world.

10 | The University of Western Australia It would be foolish to think that China will simply ignore these slights to its reputation and economic interests and that it will be forever business as usual.

So what might a political minnow like the WA Government do to protect one of its most valuable assets, the trade relationship between the iron ore industry and China?

Firstly, it should reflect on the importance of personal intergovernmental contact and take every opportunity to enhance the WA‑China relationship.

Secondly, it should use its influence in the new Federal Cabinet through Cormann, Porter, Cash and Wyatt, to lobby the Feds to run a more nuanced line on matters that might affect our trade ties with China.

Thirdly, it might harness those with special ties to China, like Bob Carr, been promoted by the United States, thought and action in our relationship Ross Garnaut and many others, to it may no longer be in our national with China. rebuild and enhance the personal interests to blindly follow the US. After relationships that carry countries all, New Zealand did not suffer when Hon Peter Dowding SC is a former through testy times. it incurred the wrath of the US over its Premier of Western Australia. refusal to permit nuclear armed ships And fourthly, from a federal to enter NZ waters. perspective it would be well to remind Prime Minister Morrison that while Perhaps we should be following suit much of the anti-China rhetoric has and declare a greater independence of

uwa.edu.au | 11 Health and wellbeing

primary care in the health system, but level of spending on prevention in this is insufficient. New and emerging Australia is approximately 1.7 per cent technologies (for example, genomic of the overall health budget4. Given testing) and new and more expensive the burden of chronic disease and drugs (for example, for cancer) will place opportunities for prevention, this ever-increasing demands on the health percentage needs to be increased. system; inaction on sustainability issues A rate of five per cent is recommended is not an option. in Western Australia’s Sustainable Health Review5 and a commitment Despite the Australian health system for such a rate from all levels of ranking highly internationally, government is warranted. inequality in health outcomes remains Colleen Fisher entrenched in Australian society. Through greater investment in While governments have identified evidence-based preventative health The Australian health system is the importance of reducing health measures, not only are there health widely considered to be one of the disparities among marginalised groups and wellbeing benefits at the individual best internationally. With estimated and improving access to healthcare for and population levels, but such spending of approximately 10 per those living in rural and remote regions, investment can alleviate pressures cent of gross domestic product (an issue of vital importance to Western on the budget; poor health status has (GDP) annually, the Australian health Australia given the vast geographical significant implications for broader system performs above the average size and low population in many rural economic activity including labour of Organisation for Economic Co- and remote areas), clear policy direction force participation and productivity.6 operation and Development (OECD) on how this is to be achieved is needed. countries, including for life expectancy Ensuring the health and wellbeing of from birth1 and at age 652. We should A significant health burden in Australia Australians, however, requires much not be complacent, however; the is attributable to chronic disease – the more than addressing an individual’s sustainability of our health system is a causes of which are largely preventable. presenting signs and symptoms and pressing issue and one which should be In the latest data available, Australia addressing individual risk factors. given priority in policy. was ranked at number eight in the Policy needs to address the social OECD for overweight and obesity3 – determinants of health. That is, Government and policy makers a significant risk factor for a number government should be committed recognise the important role of of chronic diseases. The current to ‘health in all policies’. For Aboriginal

12 | The University of Western Australia and Torres Strait Islander peoples, this Climate change also drives changes in includes addressing the conditions that the prevalence and location of many lead to the gap in health outcomes, diseases. The health implications of a life expectancy and incarceration changing climate have been recognised rates between Indigenous and non- through global bodies such as the Indigenous Australians. It also includes United Nations and nationally through constitutional reform. bodies both within and outside the health sector. Addressing the social determinants of child health would lead to improved The role of government is to lead health status and wellbeing across changes across multiple sectors of the lifespan. Increasing the Newstart society. Providing leadership for the allowance would be a positive step country through a suite of policies to towards addressing poverty and transition to a low carbon economy social exclusion. Similarly, addressing and address the health and social homelessness and the drivers and impacts of climate change is a core, enabling factors of family and domestic and currently pressing, responsibility violence would lead to improved of government. health and wellbeing outcomes for those affected. Professor Colleen Fisher is the Head of the UWA School of Population and Arguably, one of the most important Global Health. determinants of health and wellbeing is a safe environment. Changes to climate affect clean air and safe drinking water, food security and secure housing.

1 OECD 2019, Life expectancy at birth. Available from: https://data.oecd.org/healthstat/life-expectancy-at-birth.htm#indicator-chart. [22 May 2019]. 2 OECD 2019, Life expectancy at 65. Available from: https://data.oecd.org/healthstat/life-expectancy-at-65.htm#indicator-chart. [22 May 2019]. 3 OECD 2019, Overweight or obese population. Available from: https://data.oecd.org/healthrisk/overweight-or-obese-population.htm. [22 May 2019). 4 Jackson H & Shiell, A 2017, Preventive health: How much does Australia spend and is it enough? Available from: http://fare.org.au/wp-content/uploads/ Preventive-health-How-much-does-Australia-spend-and-is-it-enough_FINAL.pdf. [21 May 2019]. 5 Government of Western Australia 2019, Sustainable Health Review, Final report to the State Government. Available from: https://ww2.health.wa.gov.au/~/media/ Files/Corporate/general%20documents/Sustainable%20Health%20Review/Final%20report/sustainable-health-review-final-report.pdf. [21 May 2019]. 6 Productivity Commission 2017, ‘Shifting the dial’, Five year productivity review: Supporting paper no4. Why a better health system matters. Available from: https://www.pc.gov.au/inquiries/completed/productivity-review/report/productivity-review-supporting4.pdf. [21 May 2019].

uwa.edu.au | 13 Homelessness

supported homeless accommodation, many reasons include escaping family other temporary lodgings or severely violence, chronic mental health issues crowded dwellings.2 or a financial crisis, which could be brought on by unemployment, medical The individuals who access UnitingCare bills or family breakdown. Social West’s (UCW) services at Tranby arrive isolation and the absence of close, early in the morning, cold, hungry and fulfilling and strong relationships can anxious. And yet, they are resilient and also be key contributors.4 generous people – keen to connect with any person who accepts them for There is a perception that who and where they are. homelessness cannot be solved. We believe it can. The WA Alliance Amanda Hunt Homelessness is complex and to End Homelessness released a multifaceted. However, the label 10‑year Strategy in April 2018,5 which A prosperous state like Western of homelessness places someone was developed collaboratively with Australia has the ability to ensure firmly as a ‘problematic other’ and hundreds of stakeholders in WA. This all people have equal access to a implies homogeneity, inferiority and is a guiding document for how we can ‘good life’; one with hope, belonging dysfunction.3 The result is that people collectively end homelessness in WA. It and purpose. are shunned from mainstream society includes the voices of people who have and deemed personally at fault for the or are experiencing homelessness in Unfortunately, this isn’t the case situation they find themselves in. the design of sustainable solutions. today for many of our citizens. In 2016, 9,0231 Western Australians did not Our experience however, is that A key pillar of the EHWA Strategy have a place to shelter, a place they entrenched social, health and is creating a movement that will had personal control over; where they economic disadvantage and growing enable positive change – building can maintain privacy and enjoy social inequity have created a class of community capacity through grass relations or have legal title through ‘working poor’ – people who are under roots community action, including tenancy rights or ownership. This or unemployed with little savings. One a broad campaign to reduce number includes more than just those illness or unexpected incident can turn stigmatizing labels. who are visible to the public because a life around for the worse. And at UCW they are ‘sleeping rough’. It includes we know now the experience of being It is critical to change community people who are couch surfing, in ‘homeless’ can happen to anyone. The perceptions and raise awareness

14 | The University of Western Australia of the reality for people who are just ‘shelter’ and other dimensions essentially made up of individuals, in labelled – increasing acceptance including ‘hearth’ (emotional and varying roles, an elegantly simple and and appreciation, and tolerance physical wellbeing) and ‘heart’ (loving achievable start is a change in attitude of difference. We need to reject and caring social relations)6 are just – from individualism to reaching false assumptions that people as important. out to connect with all people in experiencing homelessness are our community. irreparably broken and to blame, and While more social and affordable instead acknowledge that everyone housing stock is most definitely Amanda is the Chief Executive Officer is marvellously capable given critical to ending homelessness, of UnitingCare West. opportunities and the right support. fundamental system shifts are We believe that home is more than also necessary. Since systems are

1 Census estimate 2016. 2 Australian Bureau of Statistics framework 2016. 3 Zoe C. Walter, et. al., ‘The Impact of Self-Categorizing as “Homeless” on Well-Being and Service Use’, The University of Queensland Analyses of Social Issues and Public Policy, Vol. 15, No. 1, 2015, pp. 333—356. 4 UWA Centre for Social Impact, State of Homelessness in Western Australia, 2019. 5 WA Alliance to end Homelessness 2019, The Strategy | End Homelessness WA. Available from: https://www.endhomelessnesswa.com/strategy [Accessed 24 June 2019]. 6 Peter Somerville, ‘Homelessness and the Meaning of Home: Rooflessness or Rootlessness?’ International Journal of Urban and Regional Research, University of Salford, 1992.

uwa.edu.au | 15 Championing disabled people in WA

frameworks. This means mainstream changes in policy. As the Local services being open, accessible and Government Act is under reform, the inclusive to people with disability. Disability Services Act is changing, The key challenge for the WA State and the State Disability Plan is being Government is that all of the drive developed, the time is ripe finally to for access and inclusion has come give some teeth to DAIPs. from the state Disability Services Commission. As they withdraw from Imagine if DAIPs were used to change being the key facilitator of support core policy? All new public housing programs for people with disability might be built to a liveable housing and merge with the Department of gold standard and many in the Communities, the state government community would benefit from wider Samantha Jenkinson needs to decide how much they doors and hallways (prams, bikes, and continue to be involved in facilitating wheelchairs all allowed). The policy At People with Disabilities WA, we the inclusion and support of people changes needed to improve access and hear a lot about the National Disability with disabilities and what that inclusion are not unknown. Some are Insurance Scheme (NDIS) from the involvement looks like. simple, such as ensuring all councils people using it and through our policy and Main Roads put in footpaths, and work. However, we know that only Disability Access and Inclusion Plans written communication is plain English. about 13 per cent of people with (DAIP) are the current policy tool for Others require changing technology disability in Western Australia will be inclusive government agencies. There with more use of captioning and audio eligible for the NDIS. When we bring is currently no enforcement of timelines description. Wicked problems like together diverse groups of people with for implementation, or penalties for not increasing the employment of people disability and ask them what issues implementing a DAIP. Often the items with disability require bigger cultural, are important to them, they want in a DAIP are not about fundamental as well as policy, shifts. accessible and affordable housing, a policy shifts that can improve inclusion. job, to get around and to be included in For DAIPs to be taken seriously as tools The employment profile of people their local communities. to embed change in agencies, they with disability in the public sector and must be part of integrated planning in executive or senior management Access and inclusion has long been and reporting in local government and positions in the disability and recognised in Western Australia have higher compliance expectations, community sector is dismal. However, a as a key part of successive policy as well as the ability to inform major big predictor of increased employment

16 | The University of Western Australia (and disclosure of disability in also for people in executive and senior the State Government needs to take employment) is having people with management positions right now. To over the next five years. People with disability in leadership positions. This get real about having inclusive and disabilities want ‘nothing about us means not just focusing on entry-level diverse workforces, that target must without us’ in policy change. So, for the employment opportunities for people be coupled with active affirmative best outcomes, embedding co-design with disability but actively seeking recruitment strategies that focus and embracing diversity in policy the innovative people with disability on finding competent people within development will be how disabled already in employment and ensuring diverse populations. people are their own champions. they have pathways and opportunities for leadership development. The Public Development of the State Disability Samantha Jenkinson is the Executive Sector Commission could set a target Plan using a co-design approach will Director at People with Disabilities WA. not only for overall employment, but identify the priorities and actions

uwa.edu.au | 17 Championing women in WA

women and children is a national to achieve gender equality, we must scourge and costs the Australian change the conversation. The impacts community hundreds of millions of and effects of gender inequality are dollars annually but, most importantly, well understood. Instead, we need to it causes lasting trauma – particularly focus on finding solutions. We need to to children. explore the role each of us can play in making change. The representation of women in leadership positions is still too low – As Minister for Women’s Interests, as demonstrated by the percentage recognising, understanding and of female board directors on the ASX addressing the challenges facing 200, female CEOs and COOs, and in our women in our community is central Simone McGurk MLA Houses of Parliament. I am proud that to my role. And those challenges the Party I am a member of has more are many, and they spare no sector, Western Australia is home to a talented, than 40 per cent women in the WA industry, group or place in society. energetic and diverse population. Parliament, and that since taking office, Since becoming Minister for Women’s By harnessing and building on these more than 50 per cent of the McGowan Interests just over two years ago, I qualities, we can look forward to a government’s Board and Committee have been heartened and motivated stronger future. However, the statistics appointments have been women. by the commitment of many paint a troubling picture that, when it organisations, community groups and comes to diversity, Western Australia is The reason behind the success of our individuals whose concerted effort is being left behind. targets is that we have articulated a making a difference when it comes to clear strategy and we measure our gender equality. With a gender pay gap of 23 per cent progress by setting a target. Ask any in WA, women retiring with half the leader of a successful organisation and In line with this vision, the McGowan amount of superannuation compared they will tell you: what gets measured, government is proud to be making to men, and unacceptable levels of gets done. My challenge to those with gender equality a priority. We have assault experienced by women, there the ability to make change is to set a announced the development of a 10- is much to do. Our state’s Family and target and hold yourselves to account. year Plan, ‘Women’s Voices: Building Domestic Violence Response teams a stronger WA together’. This Plan dealt with around 50,000 incidents in I believe that to secure the broad, will be underpinned by the voices of the last financial year. Violence against lasting and meaningful change needed women to guide a long-term State

18 | The University of Western Australia Government plan for WA to tackle that balancing work and family gender inequality. responsibilities is the domain of the mother. They send a signal to working Since opening consultations in dads that they can participate more February, we have had more than 700 fully in family life. responses to our online survey and 70 written submissions. In addition By encouraging women to work in to online engagement, community occupations where they have been consultations are being conducted traditionally underrepresented, we around the state to gather women’s acknowledge women’s capability to views and develop our Plan in work in any field of their choosing. partnership with the WA community. We also invite cultural change within organisations to break stereotypes, We can’t do this alone. We want and we send a message to men that to work in partnership with the they too can work in other fields. community to remove the barriers to The growth of the care sector is one women’s participation, to eliminate example where workforce pressures the inequalities that too often place means that we want men and women women in vulnerable situations, often seriously to consider a career in as a result of the vital contributions this sector. they have made caring for others. These shifts deliver benefits to our There is no silver bullet or single policy economy and strengthen and enrich lever that will make gender equality our communities for the better. a reality. So I ask you, what is your Because in all aspects of life, from organisation/sector/community/family schools to the workplace to retirement, doing about this issue? What will be at home and in our communities, your contribution to building a stronger women deserve equality. So does WA for everyone? our state.

When our communities are more equal, Hon Simone McGurk MLA is the Minister everyone benefits. When workplaces for Child Protection; Women’s Interests; offer flexibility for the benefit of Prevention of Family and Domestic all employees, not just working Violence; Community Services and the mothers, they shift the assumption State Labor Member for Fremantle.

uwa.edu.au | 19 A Human Rights Charter working for Western Australians

The great policy challenge for WA is to conversation on human rights1 to start enact a Human Rights Charter that will a national conversation across this set out, in law, the basic standards of space. Internationally, Canada, New rights, freedoms, equality and respect Zealand and the United Kingdom for everyone in our great state. have human rights laws and, although Australia has ratified a number of We must rethink our laws to international conventions and treaties, ensure they respond to continuing it is the only western democratic nation Indigenous disadvantage, to increasing without a human rights act or bill homelessness, to provide basic of rights. protection to asylum seekers and address the continuing discrimination An attempt by the WA Attorney General Maria Osman towards people with disabilities. Our to introduce a Human Rights Act more laws must be part of the framework for than a decade ago floundered, but Prime Minister Morrison says if you eradicating exclusion, disadvantage there is now a national momentum for have a go, you’ll get a go! It’s a terrific and prejudice. change and WA has working examples sentiment; some say compassionate to use as a how-to manual for our and inclusive. However, we know from We need to accept our responsibilities own Charter. experience that not everyone who for protecting rights at a time when wants to have a go will get the same go, these are being eroded or threatened In the best traditions of Australia’s a fair go, or their go. by alt-right movements and Federation, WA can use its earlier work jingoistic populists. and the experiences of those other This reality is particularly important for leading jurisdictions to shape and state governments, where most of the Victoria, Queensland and the ACT implement a Human Rights Charter laws, policies and services affecting our have established a legally binding that builds on those proven initiatives daily lives come from, and because of framework that places human rights at and outcomes. this, the challenge for Western Australia the centre of law and policy decisions; is to ensure we have a social and legal and the Australian Human Rights A WA Human Rights Charter will framework that works for everyone. Commission has released an issues guide our leaders in parliament paper Free and Equal: An Australian and government to make decisions

20 | The University of Western Australia consistent with our fundamental approach, guided by a legal framework, human rights. This is vitally important to deliver on this promise of inclusion. for people at the margins of society – but in the end, it is critically important And if more motive is needed, it is also for a state like WA where we are 2.5 clear a Human Rights Charter will allow million people, from 160 different us to learn from our efforts, and to languages and ethnicities, with measure and understand our levels of more than 50 Indigenous language cultural competency, in all its facets, groups, spread over 2.5 million across our wonderful and diverse square kilometres. state. This is a collective skill that will take all of us, together, into a globally A Charter will ensure government connected 21st century. is obligated to think, engage and implement their work by taking into The WA government has an account the basic rights of all our opportunity to start the conversation people, whoever they are and wherever about a Human Rights Charter in they live. Policymakers strive to design this term and the combination of laws and services that are both efficient the experience of other states and and effective, and then typically pause, high expectations for a moderate nearly as an afterthought, to see if the and inclusive Coalition Government proposal deals with the vulnerable in Canberra means the right time to and marginalised. This approach is start is now. reasonably good at hitting the centre of the demographic bell-curve, but has Maria Osman is Diversity and Gender been shown again and again to leave Consultant based in Perth, WA. out those on the margins. The very practice of policymaking is not neutral 1 www.humanrights.gov.au/our-work/ rights-and-freedoms/projects/free-and- and evidence is often subjective: equal-australian-conversation-human- unconscious bias, perceptions and rights#TdXLY values all play a part as do influential stakeholder groups.

Striving for fairness is at the core of our declared values and a Human Rights Charter will provide a systemic

uwa.edu.au | 21 Infrastructure and connectivity for the economy and society

their trip was marginally longer by rail by government when announcing a but far more comfortable. shiny new piece of infrastructure?

These experiences underline Many infrastructure funding the critical role infrastructure commitments made before and during and connectivity plays in our the recent Federal election centered on communities and in our lives. transport and connectivity. Many were Economists tend to think about billed as ‘congestion-busting’ but little these things more as supporters more rationale was provided to justify and enhancers of economic growth the investment. – getting people to their jobs more quickly, creating new employment For the most part, it’s likely that Noel Richards opportunities, or getting freight investment was committed to those around a city more efficiently. projects because they sat on an asset When the first section of the North investment plan of a government West Metro train line in Sydney Less thinking is given to the agency. So we know it has some degree opened in late May this year, the social wellbeing that improved of planning behind it, but depending ABC penned an interesting article infrastructure and connectivity can on the agency the investment rationale which followed a number of new rail generate. But these are the issues may have more of an engineering commuters, comparing their trips on that move the dial for the average bent than an economic or social one. the new line to their previous journey punter, who tends to think less about But aside from this, do we know why to work by car. the economic consequences of we should invest in that particular infrastructure and more about what it location, and why now? While a quicker and more efficient trip means for their wellbeing. to work featured heavily in commuters’ These are critical questions that we comments about the new line, many The truth is that both sides of the as investors in and consumers of also mentioned the benefits of being equation need consideration when infrastructure need to be asking. All able to spend more time with their evaluating what infrastructure to too often, these questions are not children and get time back in their lives invest in and when. But how often are answered and investment decisions for themselves. Some also mentioned these issues truly given consideration are left to ministers, premiers and

22 | The University of Western Australia prime ministers. Granted, this is what we elect them to do, but we trust they are well informed in doing so. The State Government plans to invest almost $8bn just in roads and rail in WA over the next four years, so a degree of accountability for investment decisions ought to be expected (indeed the Langoulant Special Inquiry into Government Programs and Projects said no less).

A key theme of UWA’s Big Issues for WA: Policy Options for Challenges Ahead is identifying ‘things that should be done, how, by whom and by when’. The temptation in answering this question It would be tragic if IWA became a to those problems and priorities – in the context of infrastructure and toothless tiger with infrastructure infrastructure or otherwise – and connectivity is to highlight what things planning still led by agencies and work out the economic, social and should be built. project selection still largely decided by engineering impacts of a select number politicians. It would be worse still if IWA of preferred options. My suggestion is something decidedly merely served up the ‘smorgasbord’ of less sexy: let’s get infrastructure projects from which politicians select. This model is used today, but it is planning right, and let’s get it typically post the announcement of a right soon. Ideally, IWA would identify priority major project. and/or problematic corridors, The State Government is halfway areas and issues for the state which If we really want to improve there with the establishment of require infrastructure investment, infrastructure and connectivity for the Infrastructure WA (IWA). But its precise and a rationale for and timing of its economy and society in WA, it has to mandate and make-up are still being urgency. Multidisciplinary teams start with improving the transparency set. And exactly how it might go (ideally reporting to IWA) across the and the quality of the decision-making about setting a 20-year strategy and fields of planning, engineering and that underpins what we invest in. prioritising infrastructure is still being economics would be drawn from thought through. agencies and the private sector to Noel Richards is a Partner at Deloitte identify potential integrated solutions Access Economics.

uwa.edu.au | 23 Schools and future learning

prepare children for the demands kindergarten and extended hours of the rapidly changing world they of compulsory pre-primary; and must navigate. enhanced training requirements for those working in childcare services. And it begins with a greater focus on the early years of a child’s life. The Improving the health and wellbeing years before a child enters the formal of children in the early years is one of education system. the state government’s 12 priorities, with the specific goal of increasing This reflects the robust and the number of children who are uncontested evidence that it is the developmentally on-track on all five experience in the womb, and in the Australian Early Development Census Linda Savage early years of a child’s life, that is (AEDC) domains by 10 per cent by fundamental in shaping their capacity 2027. Currently one in five children are The world today is on the brink of the for learning, development, health, and developmentally vulnerable. Fourth Industrial Revolution. It is a social and emotional wellbeing. revolution characterised by extremely Another recent commitment is the rapid change, the blurring of the real The science of early childhood and the collaboration with the Telethon Kids and the technological, and the fusing benefits for children, the economy and Institute and the Minderoo Foundation of the physical, digital and biological. the community from investment in the to try, test and deliver evidence- It is the world of big data and artificial early years is now well documented. informed, community-led approaches intelligence. It is a future that is to early childhood services in four WA unpredictable, and already changing Over the past decade, state and locations. how we live in profound ways. federal governments have introduced a range of new initiatives informed by For Western Australian children, who So how best to help prepare children that evidence. They include Child and must rely on the adults in their lives to for this future? Education will play a Parent Centres that provide a range of get it right for them, these are welcome key role. supports for families and their children, initiatives. including helping children be better The World Economic Forum has prepared when they commence school; But this is just the start of the journey identified education systems as one the promotion of the importance of to act on the evidence of the causal of the key action areas for reform to early literacy; the provision of free pathways laid down in the early

24 | The University of Western Australia years of life. The major implications role of government is, if not to ensure it has for many areas of policy and all children get the best start possible services for children, their families in life, the best chance to grow up to and society are still not sufficiently be happy and healthy, and become the understood by the wider community responsible and contributing members or translated adequately into action by of society that we need them to be. governments. As a society, it is a goal that everyone should support. In WA, immediate action by government should include: Linda Savage is an Ambassador • Appointing a Minister for Children for Children and Young People in and initiating a whole of government Western Australia. strategy for Early Childhood. Implementing a rigorous and World Economic Forum 2019, Realising Human • Potential in the Fourth Industrial Revolution. transparent process to ensure all Available from: http://www3.weforum.org/ policy, legislative and decision- docs/WEF_EGW_Whitepaper.pdf. [25 May 2019] making processes actively consider Telethon Kids Institute 2019, CoLab Policy Papers. and report on the impact it has on Available from https://colab.telethonkids. org.au/resources/policy-papers/. [25 May children. 2019] • Providing every primary school with Western Australian Government 2019, Improve the health and wellbeing of children in the an onsite Community Child Health early years, 18 February 2019, Available Nurse to enhance children’s access from: https://www.wa.gov.au/government/ to developmental checks from birth our-priorities-sharing-prosperity/bright- future#improve-the-health-and-wellbeing- to four years. of-children-in-the-early-years. [25 May 2019] • Reviewing and modernising legislation to enable the integration of early learning and care with early years education.

Public policy, put simply, is what governments choose to do, or not to do. In making those decisions there is also an ethical dimension – what governments ought to do, or ought not to do. It is hard to imagine what the

uwa.edu.au | 25 The emerging energy economy

displacing consumption and producing stable government and publicly-owned energy at the completely opposite utilities demonstrating world-class ‘end’ of the system. As the technology capabilities to partner and deploy improves and costs decrease, demand these technologies into a range of is also rising for grid and household challenging operational environments. scale batteries. The new energy economy offers a These Distributed Energy Resources range of direct mining, energy and ICT (DER) are well suited to WA. Deployed employment opportunities. Insofar as effectively, they can lower energy optimised energy systems can reduce costs for consumers, improve power electricity costs (and coupled with quality across the system, reduce the state’s rich conventional reserves Jessica Shaw MLA carbon emissions, and are particularly of natural gas), WA can become an beneficial at the fringes of the grid. increasingly attractive destination Electricity systems – humankind’s Microgrids and stand-alone power for a range of other industries, largest machines – have traditionally systems, applying DER technologies, delivering local jobs and improving our been based on unidirectional energy are often far more reliable, cost international competitiveness. flows, from centrally dispatched, effective and safe than overhead large-scale power stations, along distribution lines. Western Australia also leads the world transmission and distribution lines in microgrid development, producing to passive end consumers. Energy WA is replete with the raw materials considerable intellectual property markets and regulatory structures have needed for DER manufacturing (such and deployment capability. Our largely followed the physics. However, as lithium) and is now developing proximity to emerging markets and the significant changes are underway in downstream industries. It has a increasing demand for rural community energy economies around the world – mature mining industry, proximity electrification in Asia presents a and probably nowhere more so than in to key markets and proven logistical significant potential export market for Western Australia. capability. We enjoy abundant WA’s DER know-how. renewable energy resources; an IT Household-scale solar photovoltaic literate population renowned for However, there is a range of policy systems are now the single largest its rapid adoption of technology; and regulatory challenges facing the source of generation capacity on an entrepreneurial energy sector; energy sector. WA’s largest electricity networks, an innovative research community;

26 | The University of Western Australia Small scale DER are currently neither visible to, nor controllable by, the system operator. This presents a number of growing challenges. While digital technologies offer operators the opportunity to optimise DER (and can also give energy users far greater control), regulators have been reluctant to facilitate them. A more progressive approach is required to encourage the deployment of smart meters and enabling ICT systems, and to inject funding for research and development into system control and optimisation platforms.

Broader market and regulatory changes are also required. Traditional generation and network assets are operating differently to accommodate these new technologies, changing The WA Government is rightly that reflect system dynamics and electricity cost structures. The concerned to ensure the supply encourage new forms of private sector direct installation costs for DER are of affordable, secure, reliable and participation, with the state-owned predominantly borne by individuals; sustainable electricity across the state enterprises performing a vital bridging the variable costs of the energy and must act swiftly to enable industry and ongoing partnering role. they produce are negligible; and to adapt. their ‘true’ system costs are largely Government, operators, industry and hidden, presenting real challenges WA’s physical and regulatory academia need to collaborate to evolve for traditional markets. Pricing separation from the east coast’s WA’s energy systems and markets. New structures and regulatory frameworks energy system insulates it from many structures should incentivise efficient do not reflect emerging energy consequences arising from the energy asset investment and operations, system configurations and asset and climate policy dysfunction evident reflect true costs, avoid inefficient utilisation patterns, nor the physical in the ‘national’ energy market. cross-subsidies and create a stable dynamics and actual costs of WA’s structures can be reformed to investment environment. electricity production. send clearer, efficient price signals

uwa.edu.au | 27 Most importantly, however, the Energy is the most basic and necessary WA’s energy transition offers the changes must be made with the end of essential services, yet energy promise of economic development, user firmly in mind – particularly poverty is a very real and concerning carbon mitigation and broad-based those end users who may not have issue. Many disadvantaged households societal benefit. The challenges are the immediate capacity to access cannot afford to install DER; many significant, but not insurmountable. DER’s benefits. rent their homes; many have neither Government, industry and community the time nor capacity to participate all stand to gain, but must work Through the state-owned enterprises, in complex or sophisticated energy together imaginatively to seize the every Western Australian holds a major platforms. Ensuring these people are opportunity. stake in our energy systems. We have, not left behind, nor forced to cross- through our tariffs, invested in these subsidise energy choices exercised Jessica Shaw MLA is the Member systems for decades. It is legitimate by others, must be a key policy for Swan Hills and is the Chair to expect that the entire community consideration. for the Economics and Industry benefits as the systems evolve. Standing Committee.

28 | The University of Western Australia The need for both pluralism and the first nation’s voice

communities having a voice and the constitutionally recognising our First opportunity for self-determination. Nations people?

Most pluralist nations are also Why is it that no progress has characterised by their founding been made towards amending our document reflecting the true character founding document to reflect the of their nationhood. true nationhood, the true history of Australia? With that in mind, Australia is lacking one important ingredient Should we continue to be despondent of pluralism, and it hasn’t been the or is there some cause for optimism? diverse communities that make up our Perhaps there is no better time for Rabia Siddique nation that have been responsible for progress than now. this situation. It has been more than two years since Next year marks the 250th anniversary the Uluru Statement from the Heart Whenever Australians have been of Captain James Cook’s arrival on was presented to the then prime asked, they have overwhelmingly this continent and claiming it for minister and no concrete progress has supported the idea of Indigenous the British Crown. This is a personal been made towards the constitutional constitutional recognition. Polling passion project for Prime Minister recognition of our Indigenous people. numbers consistently show more Morrison, who has already earmarked than 80 per cent in favour. Many of nearly $50 million to mark the occasion Juxtapose this with the pride we feel those people would have voted for the including a replica of the Endeavour as a nation in being known as one Coalition in the most recent election. circumnavigating Australia and a new of the most peaceful and successful Interestingly, similar polling numbers monument at Botany Bay. pluralist societies. were returned prior to the same sex marriage plebiscite. Of course many Indigenous people A pluralist society is defined as many feel the weight of 1770, and the cultures, religions and ethnicities So why is it that our Government has dispossession and colonisation co-existing together as part of a not listened to the views of our diverse that began with it. But 2020 is an bigger singular nation, but with all population who, as a majority, agree on opportunity to begin to tell a new

uwa.edu.au | 29 story of this country for a new century. to be heard”. This has never been about Rabia Siddique is an international 2020 is a chance to merge two great dividing people but, in the closing humanitarian lawyer, a leading traditions, the old and the new: the words of the statement, extending inspirational speaker, transformational Indigenous and the European, as well an invitation “to walk with us in a leadership coach and mentor, as to recognise the true diversity that movement of the Australian people for facilitator, author, thought leader makes our country unique. a better future”. and educator.

The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Isn’t this exactly what pluralism should Islander Social Justice Commissioner be about? June Oscar said herself: “Despite the recent setbacks and the rejections, Stan Grant summarised it so well I still hold a deep sense of hope, when he said “In the Uluru Statement because I genuinely believe that this the quiet voices ask other Australians gift will benefit all Australians. And I to join their voices with them. Prime believe that Australians are looking for Minister Morrison pledged his election a way to move forward together”. victory to the ‘Quiet Australians’. He has the chance now to give a voice to the Consider the words of the Uluru quietest Australians.” Statement itself: that it “can shine through as a fuller expression of It’s now up to all Australians to hold Australia’s nationhood”, and that politicians and our Government to it seeks “constitutional reforms to account and back the Uluru Statement. empower our people and take a If we, the diverse people of this country, rightful place in our own country”. It is make our voices heard, government hard to deny that the Uluru Statement will no longer be able to deny the voice promises a brighter future for of the First Nations. And if the newly Indigenous children who will “walk in appointed Indigenous Australians two worlds” and whose culture will “be Minister Ken Wyatt has anything to do a gift to their country”. with it, we may just be able to achieve that within the next three years. The Uluru Statement kept faith with the Australian people’s most Then we can truly call ourselves a resoundingly successful referendum pluralist nation and one where all in 1967 when Indigenous people were voices are heard and recognised. finally counted. Now, it says, “we seek

30 | The University of Western Australia Investing for the future: Australian agriculture

training, development, knowledge and The productivity growth in Australian technology transfer in partnership with agriculture has slowed during developing countries and International recent years. However, international Agricultural Research Centres (IARC). competitors have been making rapid advancements. With the reduction in We must remember that the world’s cost of production and improvements population just surpassed 7.5 billion in supply chain efficiencies, and is on track to add yet another competitors such as the Black Sea billion in the next 12 years. Modern countries may erode Australia’s market society can’t thrive without access to share in key internationals markets. a high level of quality food, produced The Australian agriculture industry sustainably and economically, and cannot be complacent – standing still Professor Kadambot the challenge is to find solutions to is not an option in rapidly evolving and Siddique declining natural resources (e.g. land, competitive international markets. water and nutrients) and inclining As global demand increases, there are Australia ranks fourth in the world human population. emerging opportunities for Australia behind Brazil, Argentina and the to capitalise on. However, these Netherlands as a net exporter of Using a wide range of indicators, opportunities require a concerted and agricultural products. including water, fertiliser and energy collaborative effort by an effectively use efficiency and rate of adoption coordinated industry. Australia typically exports 60 to 70 per of technologies such as conservation cent of its agricultural products, hence agriculture (e.g. zero tillage, precision A general challenge the Australian helping meet the food requirements agriculture), Australian agriculture agricultural sector faces is to develop of Australia’s 25 million people, plus leads the world. Continued long- the production systems we need to another 60 million overseas. This term improvements in world food supply. The potentially significant makes Australia one of the most food production are fundamental to increase in demand in new markets secure nations on earth. In addition to world security. Feeding the growing require this in order to avoid damaging this, a conservative estimate suggests population will require renewed and the landscape and increasing that Australia helps feed between 400 vigorous efforts to enhance agricultural substantially our environmental and 500 million people in developing productivity, utilising all the advantages footprint. We have a challenging countries as a result of leading or modern science and technology bring. environment and fragile landscapes, participating in agricultural education, but an innovative agricultural sector.

uwa.edu.au | 31 Australia has particular expertise Nations that have the technology have dryland farming systems in and knowledge. The past 50 years a special responsibility to increase the Australia. have seen tremendous advances in research capacity of nations in the • Versatility in our systems to manage dryland food production systems and, region and beyond. Sharing practice risks associated with markets and in this field, we are on the frontier of and knowledge requires strong long- climate. We need systems that global practice. This is entirely the term links and cooperation. enable producers to cope with result of decades of diligent research ‘poor’ seasons and capitalise on and development, and honing the The new digital technologies now ‘good’ ones, which will depend mechanisms to share findings and available promise a new era of on scientific innovation as well see them translated to our farms and agricultural science and research. as innovation in business and the the industry. The application of these technologies partnerships across the industry – drones, sensing equipment, data supply chain and end-markets. Two-and-a-half billion people globally collection techniques – offer the means now depend on dryland farming for of achieving even better outcomes. Professor Kadambot Siddique is food and livelihood. Drylands cover New areas and methods of agricultural the Hackett Chair of Agriculture more than 40 per cent of the world’s research – crop simulation models, and Director of the UWA Institute land area and are home to one-third smart genetics, ecosystem management of Agriculture, The University of of the world’s population. The effects and the improvement of farm-level Western Australia. of climate change will lead to even decision-making through digital support more water scarcity and declining – are the new frontier. crop yields, leaving the people of these regions acutely vulnerable Western Australia has recently set a in the absence of appropriate risk plan to double agricultural production management strategies. The inherent in the state by 2030. Our next ambition complexity of the drylands requires should be to work with agricultural an integrated systems approach. The scientists the world over to see an immense diversity and magnitude increase of the same magnitude across of the issues and challenges call for the dryland farms of the world. a strategic approach with realistic prioritisation for steady impact. In conclusion, the main challenges WA Improved adaptation and resilience should focus on are two-fold: in agricultural production and food • An increasingly variable climate supply are a high priority. will require close monitoring, innovative research, development and adaptation of predominantly

32 | The University of Western Australia Big issues for WA: China and India

Relevant factors include the These tensions run the risk of United States’ policy uncertainty, miscalculation, but also substantial significantly greater regional and adverse economic consequences for global assertiveness on the part Australia, our region and the globe. of Xi Jinping’s China, and a relative Or as a pessimist might put it, the softening of global economic risk of a “cold war with economic circumstances. characteristics”.

Recently, we have seen a very clear Putting all or most of our eggs in hardening of the strategic competition any one country’s economic basket between the US and China. On the is not good risk management at the economic front, this has evidenced best of times, and certainly not in Stephen Smith itself with an emerging ‘Trade War’ this environment. between these top two global The post-May 2019 Federal Election economies, Australia’s top two In 2018, WA accounted for nearly 60 per policy challenge for Western Australia economic partners. cent of Australia’s total merchandise with respect to the state’s engagement exports to China. And this from a state with China and India is the same as This mutual hardening of positions vastly more dependent on trade for its it was post the March 2017 Western was evident most recently at the economic growth than Australia as a Australian State Election. Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, the whole, and therefore more exposed to Indo Pacific’s premier strategic setting fluctuations in Chinese demand. The Western Australian Government for our region’s senior Defence and came to office having correctly National Security officials. At the same time, in a deeply identified that the state’s economy had significant structural shift, the centre to be diversified beyond minerals and Singapore’s PM Lee Hsien Loong of global economic gravity is shifting, petroleum resources exports to north diplomatically laid out the dangers coming closer to WA. This is driven Asia and that this diversification project of the two superpowers not getting most particularly by the rise of India needed to apply both to the exports their bilateral relationship right, to as a great power and a great economy, themselves and to their destinations. then see the two countries’ respective but also by the rise of Indonesia Defence Ministers bluntly harden as a global influence, not just a This need has increased since their positions in front of many of the regional one. early 2017. region’s key security players.

uwa.edu.au | 33 By the midpoint of this century, India states. We need to make use of those Energise the WA–Andhra Pradesh and Indonesia will join China and the advantages. Sister State relationship by reaching US as the world’s top four economies, out to newly elected Chief Minister YS with India on track to be the second While in June the Reserve Bank of Jaganmohan Reddy with an early visit. largest, and Indonesia the fourth. Australia identified India as a significant potential destination for mineral Professor Stephen Smith served as With India on a trajectory to great resources exports, it is already clear the former Minister for Defence and economy and great power status, that WA in the first instance will not Minister for Foreign Affairs, and is Australia must develop a first-class be able to rely upon such exports to currently the Chair of the UWA Public trade and investment relationship with grow our trade and investment with Policy Institute. the world’s largest democracy. Having India. We have to move to other areas such a relationship with just two out where we have world-class capability of the top four economies, China and and strength. the US, will not be enough to maintain our prosperity. So there are three things WA can do now to help capture a share of India’s We have to find additional destinations economy: for our goods and services and, more • As part of its Review of WA importantly, entice additional sources International Trade Offices, resolve of foreign investment. To do this to resource these offices for their with India requires the adoption and future potential, not for their past or implementation of a comprehensive outdated economic contribution. strategy, such as outlined in the Invest for the future economy, not Varghese India Economic Strategy. the past. • Engage with Indian Ambassador, And we start from a low base – Western Anil Wadhwa, who is conducting Australia underperforms in trade the Indian Economic Study on the with India compared to Australia as a Australian economy, and highlight whole, and in particular underperforms some of WA’s strengths in areas he in services trade, a key area has already said are on his radar, Varghese identified. including education, research and innovation, and critical and battery- In enhancing Indian engagement, quality minerals. Perth and WA have proximity and time zone advantages over other Australian

34 | The University of Western Australia Arts and culture

industries is growing in importance and Currently, the allocation to the arts visual expression is part of everyday is only 0.65 per cent of the state’s communication, then visual acuity and total budget. the ability to learn and to communicate through the arts must be recognised Although blessed with extraordinary as an equally fundamental skill set to creative talent across all sectors of those of language and numeracy. the arts, we have inadequate cultural infrastructure. Many of our existing Currently, the arts are peripheral facilities are poorly maintained and are within our education system across all no longer fit for purpose. Fortunately, sectors. A strategy for the integration the State Theatre Centre and the of the arts into the primary and new WA Museum are outstanding Ted Snell secondary curriculum is a priority for exceptions; however, there is no the Education Department and the Recital Hall, Lyric Theatre or Aboriginal In 2015, the World Economic Forum broader arts community. Cultures museum to showcase identified creativity as an essential skill the extraordinary 50,000 years of for the fourth industrial revolution. An informed and creative workforce is continuous cultural life of this place. In The Future of Jobs, they outlined essential for our future development. a lifelong approach to learning that If WA expects to fulfil its potential Investment in cultural infrastructure encourages complex problem- and work with the major emerging is essential if we are to enable the solving, critical thinking and cognitive economies in a time zone we share with artists and performers living here to flexibility as a counterpoint to the 60 per cent of the world’s population, reach their full potential. A thoroughly one-dimensional professional focus of then it must present itself as a vibrant, researched plan on the provision of the past. connected, welcoming, inclusive, crucial cultural infrastructure is now culturally rich and diverse community. an urgent project for government and We learn by doing, we learn agencies like the Chamber of the Arts kinaesthetically, we learn by repetition, The ingredients of that success are and Culture. and we remember when we combine here in abundance, but it will require our senses and focus all our abilities on strategic planning and resourcing to The numerous arts organisations a specific problem. If Western Australia make it a reality. It is time to address represented by the Chamber across is to compete in the global marketplace the extremely meagre investment in all disciplines within the arts need where the economy of the cultural cultural infrastructure and support. adequate resourcing to be sustainable.

uwa.edu.au | 35 The Committee for Perth published its The gender diversity and varied Western Australia needs a vital and Cultural Compact in 2007 to enhance cultural heritage introduced by sustainable arts community supported Perth’s cultural fabric as a key strategy waves of migration of WA are not by the government and with private in improving the liveability of the city. adequately reflected in the record of sector commitment and investment. That document and the 2016 Strategic performances, the works held in our This is the leaven that will ensure our Plan prepared by the Department of collections and the experience of local cultural dough rises, and with it, we Culture and the Arts need revision and visiting audiences. An audit to will see the state re-energised into a – to ensure a solid foundation and show the diversity of our culture and vibrant, globally relevant community. ongoing viability of the agencies that to ensure its adequate presentation provide artistic and cultural vivacity for posterity requires research and Professor Ted Snell AM, CitWA is the and guarantee a dynamic future in the development of a program of Chief Cultural Officer and Director of an environment that will attract and commissioning and acquisition that the Lawrence Wilson Art Gallery. sustain a 21st century community. will redress this imbalance.

36 | The University of Western Australia The future economy

biggest economies are likely to be comparative advantages to attract China, India, Japan and Indonesia. skilled and talented people from other places to live and work here. Perth sits right at the centre of this powerhouse zone and is now firmly Our world-leading universities established as Australia’s Indian provide an important pathway. The Ocean capital. State Government has set a target of doubling the number of overseas But there is more to be done. The students to 100,000 by 2025 and economic slowdown experienced has introduced the Graduate Skilled from 2013 showed how exposed our Migration List as an incentive for economy is to the cyclical nature of international students to study in Deidre Willmott commodities markets. This is now even WA. This corrects an earlier policy more likely to be the case. Mining and and should be actively promoted to Western Australia needs more people. resources now make up around 30 per encourage graduates to remain in WA. After the huge changes we have seen, cent of our GSP up from just below 20 it is time to reshape our economy and per cent in 2004. This compares with We should have more scholarships truly diversify. 6.9 per cent in the national economy. for outstanding overseas students. While services make up 61 per cent Andrew and Nicola Forrest have led Record investment in mining and of the national economy, in WA they the way establishing the Forrest resources has seen our annual Gross account for only 42 per cent of the Scholarships for PhD students to State Product (GSP) increase from just state economy. come from around the world to WA to under $90b in 2004 to $259b in 2018. complete their studies. In that same period, our population Our political leaders all say we need to grew from just under two million to diversify the economy. The question is As the economy continues to a forecast 2.72 million by the end of how? Here are some suggestions. improve, the WA Skilled Migration June 2019. Occupation List requires urgent Growing any industry requires a skilled review in consultation with industry. Asian economies are growing and workforce. Lifting the education and Skilled workers employed in Western will continue to do so. According to training outcomes of our people is Australia should be welcomed and Australia’s 2017 Foreign Policy White very important but WA needs a game- fast-tracked for permanent residency Paper, by 2035 four of the world’s five changer and this needs to be using our and citizenship. Much of our population

uwa.edu.au | 37 growth from 2004 onwards came from to a month to process. What does this holders from Indo-Pacific countries people who moved here for work and say to members of the rapidly growing including Indonesia and India. decided to stay. We should make sure middle classes in the Indo-Pacific this pathway is open or we risk missing region? It is proving to be a real barrier Deidre Willmott is a Non Executive this opportunity to grow and diversify. to tourism growth right at a time when Director of Australia Post and the Perth the numbers of tourists are growing USAsia Centre. Just having more people in the state by the day. Reforming the visas could will increase economic activity and open the way for direct flights to the growth. The government should be Kimberley and investment in tourism careful to avoid picking winners by infrastructure and jobs in the north of trying to direct people into specific the state. industries. Given the rapid changes we are seeing, this is best left to employers, In conclusion, the Western Australian including the universities themselves. economy is even more exposed than ever to the cyclical resources industry. One industry government that has Hopes of diversifying the economy been focused on growing has been will only be realised when we increase tourism and hospitality, which leads the number of skilled workers in our to another issue. We need to be far economy and encourage visitors from more welcoming of tourists from our all Indo-Pacific countries. Some ideas region. The State Government has for immediate implementation include: been working on an Asian Engagement • The State Government and Strategy for the state, but how can we universities should actively promote engage with people in other countries opportunities for graduates to stay when we cannot welcome them to our in WA. state as visitors? • The State Government and universities should fundraise to Passport holders from some countries provide more scholarships for in our region can visit Australia with outstanding overseas students. an Electronic Travel Authority which • The State Government should costs $20 and is generally processed review the WA Skilled Migration within one day. But citizens of other Occupation List in consultation with countries, including Indonesia and industry. India, must apply for a Visitor Visa • The Federal Government should costing $140 per person and taking up reform tourist visas for passport

38 | The University of Western Australia Connecting Western Australia and Indonesia through stories

There are examples where this has across festivals, galleries and been successful, but the public and publishers. Moving forward, I would like private sector can do more to improve to see structural change that allows our relationship with Indonesia. This these kinds of possibilities to blossom. includes sharing stories with each other That means funding support, political towards a common goal. To cite a few leadership, business collaboration, recent moments in the arts: community will and artistic innovation. • The recent appointment of Perth Festival Director Iain Grandage A concerted effort at a public offers a real opportunity to further policy level is required to support develop creative links. Grandage and stimulate meaningful cultural collaborated with highly acclaimed engagement between Australia and Caroline Wood Indonesian filmmaker Garin Indonesia through telling stories and Nugroho on the silent black and beyond. As a foundation, Indonesian Storytelling is a universal art shared white film Setan Jawa (Java’s Devil). language needs to be taught and across the world. The Centre for Stories • A Man, A Monster and The Sea, an promoted more widely in secondary uses storytelling to inspire social ecologically themed installation schools. Western Australian youth cohesion, to improve understanding knitted by Indonesian installation need to see how Indonesian language between people, and to connect with artist Mulyana has been the most proficiency and cultural literacy can diverse communities. Through telling popular exhibition at FORM Gallery play an integral part in careers such as stories, we discover more about each in Claremont in 2019. business, tourism, education and the other and create possibilities for art, • This year Giramondo Publishing has arts. Additionally, Indonesian stories, trade and diplomacy. From Perth, that released Sergius Seeks Bacchus by both contemporary and historical, includes our nearest international Indonesian poet Norman Erikson need to be represented in curricula neighbours in Indonesia. Engaging Pasaribu and this has influenced the to spark interest in – and improve our with Indonesia through storytelling national literary discourse. understanding of – our region. and other arts can lead to improved cultural relations and a better balance These are good examples of Formal exchange agreements between of trade. engagement between the creative literary festivals such as Ubud industries in Australia and Indonesia, Readers & Writers Festival, Makassar

uwa.edu.au | 39 International Writers’ Festival, implications for trade and diplomacy that is true to our geography. This Broome’s Corrugated Lines, Margaret in general. means looking at our history and River Readers & Writers Festival, and place in the world with a sense of the Perth Festival would increase Prioritising Indonesia should be part of deep-rooted confidence to articulate the collaboration between both a broader reconsideration about our why we matter to each other and our places. This would be supported by place and role in the region, and the neighbours. It will allow us to tell the funding for relationships between relationships, which matter to us. We best stories yet about who we are and arts bodies such as Ruang MES 56 need a long-term, multi-generational what we might yet become when we and Rumata ArtSpace in Indonesia policy with concrete outcomes and work together for a shared future. and similar organisations in Perth financial support to ensure we are such as The Blue Room Theatre optimally placed. Caroline Wood is the Founder and and local publishers. Sustained and Director of the Centre for Stories. meaningful engagement leading to Engaging with Indonesia will allow a closer relationship points positive Perth to tell a story about its identity

40 | The University of Western Australia Raising the bar on Indigenous Affairs policy in WA

consensus around the best form of Minister Ken Wyatt’s vision is garnering constitutional recognition – and a nationally – and it should be prepared voice to Parliament – during the current to negotiate this vision and position parliamentary term. He urged caution, with the Morrison government. Critically and a measured approach, as the this can only happen via a bi-partisan nation moves through the necessary mechanism which would apply this conversations in the lead-up to vision in a pragmatic way, and provide the referendum. certainty as to its ongoing support.

In my view, the timing is right for the The moral and ethical imperatives nation to begin this journey. Polling embodied by this vision are now firmly conducted two weeks prior to the undergirded by the Australian High Peter Yu election indicated that the propositions Court decision taken in Timber Creek contained within the Uluru statement in March of this year, which established For Indigenous Australians, the 2019 enjoyed greater support across the further clarity for the right to Federal Election result challenged Australian community than the same- compensation for Native Title holders us to think strategically about how sex marriage vote. The Australian for the loss of previously undefined best to engage with all sides of electorate then is clearly ready. native title rights. politics in advocating for a whole of Parliament approach in dealing with Earlier this year, Rio Tinto and BHP This decision should provide the unresolved grievances of First threw their weight behind the Uluru significant impetus for both State Nations communities. statement. They were the first and Commonwealth governments corporate entities to signify support, to seriously consider how treaties Since the election, the need to take a but followed in the footsteps of might be progressed. It is not in the bi-partisan approach to Indigenous Australian Medical Association and the nation’s interest, nor in the interests Australians has been gaining credence Law Council of Australia. These entities of Indigenous people, for there to in Canberra. represent fundamentally conservative be ongoing uncertainty as to whose corporate and professional institutions. responsibility it is, and it is incumbent On July 10, Minister Ken Wyatt gave an So corporate Australia is also ready. on the Commonwealth government, via address at the National Press Club in COAG, to lead and support the states which he committed the government The Western Australian government and territories of Australia to progress to a process aimed at garnering a should be emboldened by the support the agenda of treaties.

uwa.edu.au | 41 There is a number of critical policy governments, industry and Indigenous reform agendas for the current WA groups to progress economic government to address in the ongoing development priorities. uncertainty of its relationship with the state’s First Nations Peoples. The second Indigenous policy reform for the WA government to prioritise is The first, by co-design, will be to the establishment of an independent reform the representation and Truth Telling Commission for the mandate of First Nations Peoples in purposes of hearing and recording their engagement with the state’s the stories of the state’s First Nations constitutional and political framework. peoples and the wider community This can occur by emulating Federal of Western Australia. The proper Labor’s pre-election commitment acknowledgement of these histories to the establishment of regional is foundational to addressing assemblies across the state, enabling intergenerational trauma currently more effective, robust engagement of devastating First Nation communities, Indigenous people in policy settings, and will prove crucial to the process and greater efficiency and investment of Reconciliation. returns under the ‘Closing the Gaps’ initiatives. Peter Yu is the CEO of Nyamba Buru Yawuru, a not-for-profit company These assemblies will also prove a owned by the Yawuru native title crucial mechanism and reference point holders of Broome. for State and Federal government in the developing conversations around agreement making in the move toward constitutional reform and formal relationship with First Nation communities.

The devolution of decision-making power to the regions and improved governance would enable greater accountability and could facilitate more functional partnerships between

42 | The University of Western Australia

UWA Public Policy Institute

The University of Western Australia M464, 35 Stirling Highway Crawley WA 6009 Australia Tel: +61 8 6488 5825 Email: [email protected] uwa.edu.au

CRICOS Provider Code: 00126G UniPrint 158786