Industry leaders called in to tackle WA labour crisis as Roger Cook tries to ‘lure’ construction workers

Some of the biggest names in WA business will come together this month to brainstorm ideas to boost the numbers of construction workers across the State. Dale Alcock, Adrian Fini and Nigel Satterley will be among the industry heavy-hitters involved in a series of roundtables organised by the WA Government. Modelling from BuildSkills Australia suggests WA may need about 125,000 extra construction workers in the next decade, as the State heads towards a four million-strong population. Representatives from Fortescue, Austal, the Master Builders Association and unions will also attend the roundtables, which will meet over the next two months. “We’re doing everything we can to train our local workforce and lure the best and brightest workers. But we’re always looking at new ways to grow our workforce,” Premier Roger Cook told The Sunday Times. “We want to hear from the people on the ground. That’s why we’re bringing together a team of experts from our most in-demand industries — such as renewable energy, construction, and defence.” Mr Alcock, managing director of the ABN Group, said the building industry was crying out for more bricklayers, hard-wall plasterers, carpenters, wall-tilers and concreters amongst other trades. He welcomed the roundtables — as long as they weren’t just a talk fest. “I compliment the State Government for doing this,’” he said. “But I only want to be there if we get traction and constructive outcomes out of them.” The Federal Government has earmarked 3400 skilled migrants for WA in 2026-2027 , 1600 fewer than the Cook Government wanted. “I think we need to ensure these (migration) pathways are streamlined, both training and the import of labour,” Mr Alcock said. “With that imported labour that we bring in, I have always taken the view that I would like to see those people permanent residents and contributors within the WA community long-term.” While demand for building and construction workers is red hot, the surging labour needs of other sectors, like defence and energy, will also be on the agenda of roundtable discussions. With Henderson being turned into a nuclear submarine and ship-building super precinct, it is predicted an additional 10,000 workers will be needed over the next 20 years. It’s understood the Cook Government is in discussions with the Federal Government about being able to bring in further overseas workers to fill vacancies in the defence industry. But it was also about steering those already here into these jobs. “Never before have there been so many rewarding, well-paying jobs on offer,” Mr Cook said. “We want to make sure all Western Australians can take advantage of that as we build the workforce of the future.” The State’s move to renewables and clean energy is expected to generate 350,000 jobs. Energy and Skills Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson, who will chair the roundtables, said that as WA’s economy grew, so did the demand for workers. “If we want WA’s economy to be ready for the future, we need a workforce that’s ready for the future too,” she said. “These roundtables and industry consultation will give us the information we need to create a plan that works.”