- State Government to create WA Productivity Commission through the merger of Infrastructure WA (IWA) and the Economic Regulation Authority (ERA)
- Productivity Commission to help maintain WA as the strongest in the nation and improve service delivery for Western Australians
- Productivity was a key theme with industry stakeholders at the Economic Resilience Roundtable convened by the Premier in June
- Productivity Commission legislation to be introduced to Parliament in 2026
The Cook Labor Government will continue to strengthen the Western Australian economy and the delivery of public services through the creation of the WA Productivity Commission.
The WA Productivity Commission will be created by merging key functions of Infrastructure WA (IWA) and the Economic Regulation Authority (ERA), with a remit to provide advice and recommendations to the State Government that support continuous improvement in the performance of Western Australia's private and public sectors.
This includes identifying ways to deliver more jobs and business opportunities, raise living standards and enhance services for all Western Australians.
The Premier's Parliamentary Secretary David Scaife MLA will lead a consultation process with industry, peak bodies, the public sector and unions on the final model and functions of the Productivity Commission.
The infrastructure planning functions of IWA and the inquiry capabilities of the ERA will transfer to the new Productivity Commission.
In addition to supporting Western Australia's resilience in globally uncertain times, this reform will bring WA into line with other states, with New South Wales and South Australia establishing its commissions in 2018 and Queensland reinstating its commission in 2024.
New legislation will be introduced in the first half of 2026 to establish the WA Productivity Commission and define its objectives, responsibilities and governance.
As stated by Premier Roger Cook:
"My government is committed to Western Australia becoming a global leader in investment attraction, industry facilitation and regulation.
"By being the best place in the world to do business, we will maintain Western Australia as the strongest economy in the nation and the best place in the world to get a quality job.
"Industry stakeholders made several suggestions on how we could improve productivity and increase Western Australia's international competitiveness at the Economic Resilience Roundtable, which I convened earlier this year.
"This included the importance of energy pricing, common user infrastructure, timely regulatory approvals and workforce planning.
"By bringing the incredible capabilities of IWA together with the ERA, the government will have the capability to explore these and other productivity drivers for the private sector.
"The Productivity Commission will also give us the ability to drive improvements in service delivery across the public sector, including in critical areas like health and housing."
As stated by Treasurer Rita Saffioti:
"Western Australia already has the strongest economy in the nation, but our government is always working hard to boost productivity, attract investment, and create more local jobs.
"The WA Productivity Commission will be a centre of excellence to keep our economy competitive and resilient, positioning Western Australia for long-term success.
"This is about streamlining approvals and ensuring we get the best value for every dollar spent, while still delivering the major economic infrastructure and essential services our communities rely on."
