Sanderson said rising jobs growth in Western Australia was a welcome sign for the economy, highlighting stronger employment as a positive development for households and businesses.
The comment arrives at a time when several sectors in the state are confronting policy and supply constraints that could influence investment and project timelines across WA.
Both the Liberals and Labor have signalled they want greater certainty around gas policy for Western Australia, a stance that reflects concern about how future rules could affect new and existing energy projects.
Resources company Fortescue has been promoting green metal opportunities to Asian buyers, seeking to expand demand for low-emissions products from WA, while developers and investors weigh the commercial viability of such deals.
Industry sources have warned that transmission uncertainty is hindering progress on Pilbara green projects, with questions about grid capacity and connections making it harder for developers to firm up contracts and timelines.
Transport and building supplies have also come under strain. Transport Minister Rita Saffioti described a brick supply update as:
"Shocked"
The state government has said it is prepared to work with Midland Brick as the shortage affects builders and housing projects, a development that has immediate consequences for construction schedules.
Taken together, the combination of hiring gains, energy policy questions, network constraints and material shortages presents a mixed picture for WA employers. Some industries are hiring while others face delays or higher costs that could slow activity.
Regional parts of the state have been specifically affected: Pilbara green deals are being held back by transmission questions, and metropolitan construction projects are feeling the pinch from the brick shortage, prompting direct government engagement with suppliers.
Policy measures and commercial solutions now under discussion include clearer gas rules, quicker decisions on transmission connections, and direct work between government and brickmakers to ease supply. How quickly those measures are implemented will be a key determinant of whether the current jobs momentum broadens across sectors.
Category: Economy
