❓ Question on the Cook Labor government's commitment to diversifying the WA economy and creating jobs. The Premier's response highlights the state's strong economic performance, job creation, and investments in infrastructure, renewable energy, and skills development, while contrasting it with the previous Liberal-Nationals government's record.

State economy—Diversification68.Mr Daniel Pastorellito the Premier:I refer the Premier to the Cook Labor government's commitment to diversifying the Western Australian economy so that it remains the strongest in the nation. Can the Premier update the house on how this commitment is delivering real economic outcomes and creating new local jobs?

Mr Roger Cook replied:I thank the member for the question.Western Australia has the strongest economy in the nation, and we are going to keep it that way. Thanks to our strong financial management, my government has helped maintain confidence in our economy. That means that we continue to provide infrastructure and services our communities and industry need. We will not rest. As I said, we want to remain the strongest economy in the nation, not simply for now but into the future. We have an ambitious agenda to diversify, to become a renewable energy powerhouse and to make more things here. We are creating jobs.Mr Shane Loveinterjected.The Speaker:Member for Mid-West.Mr Roger Cook:We are building a skilled and productive workforce. The latest unemployment figures are a strong endorsement of our economic agenda. WA remains the best place in the world to get a quality job. Western Australia's unemployment rate fell to 3.4% in January, the lowest of all states and the lowest we have had since November 2024.Several members interjected.The Speaker:Members of the opposition!Mr Roger Cook:There were more than 1.67 million Western Australians employed in January, the second strongest month on record behind December last year.Mr Shane Loveinterjected.The Speaker:Member for Mid-West, I call you for the first time.Mr Roger Cook:What's wrong, Shane? The sedatives have worn off, have they?Over 376,000 jobs have been added since we came to government. That is 120% over the jobs target that we set for ourselves in 2021. Importantly, it is a stark contrast to the dark times under our friends opposite. Let us revisit that record for a moment. Under the Liberal–Nationals, WA had the highest unemployment rate in the country. We lost our Aaa credit rating. In the eight and a half years it was in government, debt increased from $3.6 billion to an eye-watering $44 billion. Not a single job was created in its—Several members interjected.The Speaker:Premier, please. Opposition, can I just remind you that you will get the chance to ask a question, so there is no need to yell it out right now. Let the Premier conclude his remarks.Mr Roger Cook:There was not a single job created in their last four years in government. That is the Liberal–Nationals' legacy. I am proud that under the WA Labor government, we have paid down debt, restored the Aaa credit rating and created 376,000 jobs.Ms Sandra Brewerinterjected.The Speaker:Member for Cottesloe.Mr Roger Cook:We want to keep our economy strong because we know what happens if it falls to the Liberals. They have let mountains of debt climb. We want to keep our economy strong for the future so that we can seize the economic opportunities in front of us.Ms Sandra Brewerinterjected.The Speaker:Member for Cottesloe.Mr Lachlan Hunterinterjected.The Speaker:Member for Central Wheatbelt, please do not interject.Mr Roger Cook:We are supporting trading partners to decarbonise and become a major shipbuilding hub.Mr Lachlan Hunterinterjected.The Speaker:Member for Central Wheatbelt, I am calling you for the first time.Mr Roger Cook:We are preparing the economy for the future with the creation of our 2050 Commission, which is about setting us up not just for the next five or 10 years, but 25 years.Ms Sandra Brewerinterjected.The Speaker:Member for Cottesloe, I am calling you as well.Mr Roger Cook:We are investing in our community and more than ever in our TAFE system with low and fee-free-type courses to create the workforce that the nation's leading economy needs to keep the national economy going. We know how TAFE fees fared under the previous government, and that is why we are proud of our record to continue to grow Western Australian skills and the Western Australian workforce.My government's vision for Western Australia's economy to be the strongest in the nation is the right one for our state. We are going to make sure that we keep the economy strong and keep creating jobs and opportunities for Western Australians.VisitorsThe Speaker:Before I give you the call, member for Geraldton, on behalf of the member for Vic Park, I would like to welcome her son David Beazley Canion in the Speaker's gallery today. It is lovely to see you here. State economy—Diversification