Western Australia’s Resources Sector in Transition

Read the new report WA’s Resources Sector in Transition: Securing long term value here

The Bankwest Curtin Economics Centre invites you to a special sundowner for the release of our latest report, Western Australia’s Resources Sector in Transition

Western Australia’s economy remains deeply anchored in its resources sector, with iron ore continuing to underpin exports, public revenues, employment and living standards. But the global operating environment is shifting rapidly. Decarbonisation, technological disruption and geopolitical fragmentation are reshaping resource-based economies worldwide.

This new Focus on Industry report examines how WA’s resources sector is adapting to these pressures, and what this means for economic diversification, fiscal sustainability and long-term prosperity. While the sector remains a source of strength, it also faces growing structural pressures, including rising costs, infrastructure constraints, concentrated supply chains and exposure to volatile global markets. The report also assesses the opportunities – and limits – of downstream processing, critical minerals and low-emissions industries.

Drawing on new analysis and industry engagement, the report highlights that transition is neither automatic nor evenly distributed. Realising value from emerging sectors will depend on scale, competitive and reliable energy, enabling infrastructure, and coordinated policy settings. At its core is a central question: how can Western Australia secure long-term, resilient and shared value from its resources sector in an increasingly uncertain world?

Join us for this special sundowner, opened by Hon David Michael MLA, Minister for Mines and Petroleum; Finance; Electoral Affairs; Goldfields-Esperance; Leader of the House, and Professor Harlene Hayne CNZM, Vice-Chancellor at Curtin University. The evening will be hosted by Nadia Mitsopoulos from ABC Radio guiding an engaging conversation with our panel.

Hon David Michael MLA, Professor Harlene Hayne CNZM and Nadia Mitsopoulos

Simone Spencer, Deputy Director General for Strategy, Performance and International Engagement at the Department of Energy and Economic Diversification; Aaron Walker, Head of Economics at the Chamber of Minerals and Energy WA; and Deidre Willmott AM, Strategic Advisor, Global Sustainability & External Affairs at Fortescue make up our expert panel.

Simone Spencer, Aaron Walker and Deidre Willmott AM

Discover the latest research findings from report author Professor Alan Duncan, Director, and Dr Silvia Salazar, Senior Research Fellow at the Bankwest Curtin Economics Centre. Fran Fattoretto, General Manager Origination and Lending Experiences at Bankwest, will close this event.

Professor Alan Duncan, Dr Silvia Salazar and Fran Fattoretto

This is our must-attend event of the year, where you will have the opportunity to network over drinks and refreshments, hear headline findings from the report authors, and engage in a lively Q&A with leading voices from across the sector.

Date: Wednesday 24 June 2026

Timings: 4.00pm registration & refreshments, 4.30pm event formalities start, 6.00pm network & refreshments

Location: Grand River Ballroom, Pan Pacific Perth, Boorloo (Perth), WA 6000

Cost: General Admission $119, Not For Profits $99, Student Admission $59

Registrations for this event are now closed. For any questions, please email bcec@curtin.edu.au or ring the team on +61 8 9266 1744.