WA Government Splits Energy and Mining Department
The Western Australian Government will divide the Department of Energy, Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DEMIRS) into two new agencies.
New Departments to Sharpen Focus
The split will create:
- The Department of Mines, Petroleum and Exploration (DMPE)
- The Department of Local Government, Commerce, Industry Regulation and Safety
The goal is to give each agency a more focused role and improve service delivery.
DMPE to Lead Resource Development
The DMPE will guide the future of WA’s resources sector, including mining, oil, gas, and exploration.
The second department will handle local government, commerce, and industry regulation, providing clearer contact points for other industries.
Part of Broader Government Reforms
This change is one of nine public sector reforms following the recent state election in Western Australia.
The updates aim to strengthen WA’s economy and build “centres of excellence” within government agencies.
“Today’s reforms are about creating a Team WA approach at all levels of government, so that we can relentlessly pursue the priorities of the WA community – creating jobs, building capacity in our hospitals and building more houses,” said WA Premier Roger Cook.
“These reforms will ensure we continue to create jobs in globally uncertain times, by backing our resources sector, diversifying our economy for the future and making more things here.”
“The reforms also put energy policy front and centre, recognising how important affordable, secure and lower carbon energy is to maintaining WA’s status as the fastest-growing economy in the nation.”
Industry Backs the Decision
The Association of Mining and Exploration Companies (AMEC) has welcomed the change.
“AMEC welcomes today’s decision by the Western Australian Government to return the Department back to its focus on the resources sector, shedding the broader responsibilities of commerce and industry regulation,” said AMEC CEO Warren Pearce.
“The decision to add Exploration to the title for the first time is also critical recognition of the West Australian exploration and junior minerals sector, that is so important to the discovery of future minerals and the development of new mining projects.”
“It also recognises the work done by the WA Geological Survey, that undertakes important exploration programs on behalf of the state.”
Timeline for the Transition
The reforms will start on July 1 and are expected to be fully in place by December 31 this year.