Has there ever been a more challenging time to be in government?

Geopolitical tensions, economic pressures, inequality, division, climate change, nature loss – there are fires on many fronts.

But every challenge creates an opportunity, particularly for a state like Western Australia, whose place in the world and abundance of natural and human capital can put us at the heart of almost every solution. If we get the settings right and work hard enough.

With both state and federal elections to be held within months, the stakes are high.

Will we have an investment environment that enables us to compete effectively for international capital? Will we get projects approved and delivered in the timeframes needed? Will we have an education and training system that can meet the skills needs of this century? An immigration system that can supplement our homegrown talent in an era of declining global fertility, without overheating the economy or dividing the community? Infrastructure and services that people can continue to rely on? A natural environment that can continue to provide for generations to come.

I’ve seldom come across a politician of any persuasion that has gone into politics for any reason other than to make a positive difference.

The responsibilities are huge. The outcomes, important to all of us. So, as we head into election season, let’s give all candidates our respect and gratitude, and do everything we can to support them in their work.

This article also appeared in The West Australian newspaper.

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