WA Impact Statement COVID-19 - pandemic December 2020 - WA Government
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WA Impact Statement COVID-19 pandemic December 2020
Contents
Impact overview 3
At a glance 4
Known impacts: Health 6
Known impacts: Economic and infrastructure 10
Known impacts: Social 13
Known impacts: Industry 15
Known impacts: Regions 17
Acknowledgment of Country:
The Government of Western Australia acknowledges the traditional
custodians throughout Western Australia and their continuing
connection to the land, waters and community. We pay our respects to
all members of Aboriginal communities and their cultures; and to Elders
past, present and emerging.
© State of Western Australia 2020
There is no objection to this plan being copied in whole or part provided
there is due acknowledgment of any material quoted or reproduced.
Published by the Department of the Premier and Cabinet, Western
Australia, December 2020.
This report is available at WA.gov.au
ISBN: 978-0-7307-0298-6
2 WA Impact Statement
Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic
This statement provides an Initially, it was anticipated the A $5.5 billion investment by
overview of the impact of impact of the pandemic would the Government through the
the COVID-19 pandemic on be dire. Rising unemployment, WA Recovery Plan is driving
Western Australia. It updates an overwhelmed health service the local economy and
the WA Impact Statement and community isolation were helping Western Australia
released by the Government real possibilities. While the get back to being a thriving
in July 2020. livelihoods of many Western and innovative place in which
Australians were – and to live, work, visit and do
Compared to other parts of
continue to be – affected by business.
the world, there has been a low
the pandemic, the State has to
number of COVID-19 cases in This statement summarises
date avoided its worst impacts
Western Australia. The State’s the known and emerging
and is recovering strongly.
coordinated response, border impacts of the pandemic,
controls, and the community’s Western Australia is leading the taking into consideration the
adherence to the guidelines and nation in relaxing restrictions, ongoing measures that have
restrictions, have protected allowing the local economy been implemented to prevent
everyone. to open up faster and getting the spread of the virus,
more people back to work. respond to the impacts of
Until a vaccine is developed
the pandemic, and progress
and distributed, however, Employment growth was the
with both economic and
the Western Australian fastest in the nation, the health
community recovery.
community needs to live system has been strengthened
with the risk of COVID-19 to manage possible future
for the foreseeable future, outbreaks and the community
given the risk of COVID-19 has banded together to support
around the world. the most vulnerable.
Western Australia
is leading the
nation in relaxing
restrictions.
3 WA Impact Statement
At a glance
Health Economic and infrastructure Social
To respond to COVID-19, While the Western Australian Consistent with the better
the health system initially economy has been impacted by than expected economic
suspended a number of clinical the pandemic, it is on a strong outcomes in recent months,
activities. It reallocated road to recovery. negative wellbeing impacts
resources to purchase medical from the pandemic and
• Business and consumer
supplies and equipment, and pandemic response have not
confidence in Western
increased the health workforce. been as large as anticipated.
Australia have recovered
The health system has built the However, concerns remain
from their weakest levels on
capacity to respond to surges. about future impacts once
record following the onset
additional welfare and housing
• As at 24 December 2020 of the pandemic. Business
supports from the Australian
there have been 847 cases confidence is stronger than
Government are wound down.
of COVID-19 including nine it has been in years and
deaths. 612,889 COVID-19 consumer confidence is • Homelessness support
tests have been performed. above pre-pandemic levels referrals have remained
for the fourth consecutive below 2019 levels since
• From late April 2020
month in December 2020. May 2020 following a
elective surgery capacity
sharp increase early in
progressively increased and • Reflecting this strength in
the pandemic.
is now at 100%. Since going confidence, real retail trade
to full capacity, waitlisted grew by a record 10.2% in the • Housing availability
elective surgery admissions September 2020 quarter and continues to be a concern,
in the July to October 2020 by 12.8% in year-ended terms, with the rental vacancy rate
period were 7.3% greater the strongest year ended below 1% (its lowest level
than the same period in 2019. growth since June 1992. since 2007) and the public
housing waitlist up more
• Use of telehealth services • At November 2020, around
than 8% since March 2020.
has increased enormously 101,700 (98.5%) of the initial
with a total of 454,623 jobs lost have been recovered, • There has been an increase
appointments delivered while total hours worked have in reported incidents
since March 2020. returned to pre-COVID levels. of family and domestic
violence, with 18% more
• The mental health impact • The unemployment rate has
(family) assault offences
is a key emerging issue, reduced from a high of 8.7%
between March and
anticipated to be further in June 2020 to 6.4% in
December 2020 than in
realised in the months and November 2020, the second
the same period in 2019.
years to come. lowest of all states.
However, calls to family and
• With an increased focus on • The underemployment rate domestic violence helplines
COVID-19 by the community, has come down from a high have returned to levels seen
there is the potential for of 14.4% in April 2020 to in January 2020.
increased risk of undiagnosed 7.9% in November 2020, the
• Arts, culture, and sports
or untreated diseases. lowest of all states.
facilities are now reopening
and provide opportunities for
recreation, social connection
and wellbeing. However,
Real retail trade grew by ongoing venue and travel
restrictions continue to
a record 10.2% in the impact the industry.
September 2020 quarter.
4 WA Impact Statement
Industry Regions
After a number of key industry Each region faces several • A lack of digital connectivity
sectors reduced operations unique challenges and in some regional areas is
due to the necessary public opportunities that affect its continuing to hinder the
health response, the phased social and economic recovery. ability to adopt online
lifting of restrictions has The international border closure business models and access
resulted in increased economic has had a disproportionate online services.
activity. The ongoing impact impact on the regions. The
• Cooperation and
and speed of recovery vary tourism, hospitality, retail, arts
collaboration between
across industries, with the and recreation sectors have
government, Aboriginal
remaining restrictions, levels been impacted the most.
leaders and community
of Government support and
• The number of Jobactive groups remain key
external environment having
cases in the regions has risen throughout recovery,
different effects on different
from 16,464 in the week particularly with remote
industries.
ending 23 February 2020 Aboriginal communities.
• Retail trade has reached to 27,664 in the week ending
record levels. Support from 25 October 2020.
the Western Australian and
• The ‘Wander out Yonder’
Australian Governments
campaign has encouraged
has also led to a significant
Western Australians to
increase in activity in the
travel and holiday in regional
construction industry.
Western Australia.
• The value of Western
• Regional food and
Australia’s total exports
agriculture businesses have
continues to be high,
been impacted due to the
although this is largely a
lack of people to fill seasonal
result of the high price of
farming and food processing
iron ore. Other exports have
jobs. This potentially
been affected by lower
impacts the price of fruit and
prices and trade tensions.
vegetables in the future.
• Ongoing restrictions
• Economic conditions in
(including on international
regional Western Australia
travel) continue to constrain
are generally improving,
international education, as
with State Government,
well as larger entertainment
Australian Government
events. The redirection of
and industry led recovery
spending
activity flowing through.
to the local tourism market
has been positive. • A steady pipeline of
infrastructure work is seeing
• Initial supply chain
significant investment in the
disruptions have largely been
regions and ensuring local
resolved although the supply
opportunities are maximised.
of some goods and services
to Western Australia may be
affected as the pandemic
worsens overseas.
5 WA Impact Statement
Known impacts:
Health
COVID-19 cases
As at 24 December 2020, there
has been more than eight months
of no community transmission. As at 24 December
There have been 847 total
confirmed cases of COVID-19: 2020, there has
830 people have recovered
from the disease, 9 people have been more than
died from the disease and 8
cases remain active. There have
eight months of
been 612,889 COVID-19 tests
performed including 99,437 tests
no community
of people in regional areas.
COVID clinics are operating
transmission.
at Royal Perth Hospital, Fiona
Stanley Hospital and Sir Charles
Gairdner Hospital and in Bunbury,
Midland, Rockingham, Armadale,
Joondalup, Kununurra and Broome.
COVID-19 cases
COVID-19 cases
Total daily cases (LHS) Cumulative confirmed cases (RHS)
60 900
800
50
700
40 600
500
30
400
20 300
200
10
100
0 0
30-Oct
6-Oct
10-Jul
14-Oct
8-Jun
5-Apr
22-Oct
20-Mar
2-Jul
24-Jun
26-Jul
4-Mar
29-Apr
3-Aug
20-Sep
18-Jul
4-Sep
16-Jun
28-Mar
19-Aug
9-Feb
23-May
7-Nov
13-Apr
21-Apr
15-May
28-Sep
7-May
31-May
27-Aug
25-Feb
11-Aug
1-Feb
12-Mar
12-Sep
17-Feb
Source: Department of Health
6 WA Impact Statement
Health system readiness
In the initial months of the contributed to a significant As of 18 November 2020,
pandemic, ensuring the decrease in the influenza rate the Department of Health
capacity of the health system and a reduction in hospital employed 50 full-time
to respond to widespread admissions for influenza in 2020. equivalent (FTE) contact
community transmission was tracers. It is estimated that
Ensuring health workforce
paramount. This led to the this allows for responding
capacity and protecting the
suspension of a number of to 30 cases a day for four
health and safety of high
clinical activities. Due to the weeks. In addition, there are
risk health care workers has
low rate of community approximately 640 contact
been a priority throughout
transmission in Western tracers either on a surge
Western Australia’s response.
Australia, these services have register or in the process
Large scale recruitment to
since re-commenced. of being offered contracts.
employment pools, clinical
There continues to be a good education and skills training, Outbreak response planning
supply of personal protective guidelines for COVID-19 for COVID-19 has been an
equipment (PPE) available, with patient care, policy and training essential part of the State’s
a dedicated procurement team in the appropriate use of PPE, preparedness. An integrated
sourcing PPE, medical equipment and staff support programs State plan, as well as supporting
and health care supplies from have been put in place. plans for high risk settings, have
existing and new suppliers. Encouraging regular leave and been developed.
having workforce planning in
Health messaging on influenza
place to support staff remain
vaccination, and the need
critical. A dedicated COVID-19
for physical distancing and
call centre and wellness helpline
COVID-safe principles,
are available to all staff.
Waitlist for elective surgery
From late April 2020, a staged
resumption of elective surgery
commenced and, from 15 June
2020, elective surgery returned
to full capacity.
Since the commencement of
an elective surgery blitz (at 31
October) 62,692 patients have
been admitted. Compared to
the same period in 2019, this
is an increase of 7.3% or 4,274
additional admissions.
7 WA Impact Statement
Emergency department Statewide emergency attendances
attendances
Attendances
A dramatic reduction in emergency
120,000
department activity was observed in
Emergency Attendances
100,000
April 2020 with 24.8% (21,953) fewer
attendances than April 2019. 80,000
60,000
Attendance numbers have been
increasing steadily since April 2020, 40,000
and in October 2020 attendances 20,000
were 5.3% (4,819) higher than the
0
same period in 2019.
M 19
Ju 19
Ju 19
A 19
Se 19
O 19
N 19
D 19
Ja 19
Fe 20
M 20
A 20
M 20
Ju 20
Ju 20
A 20
Se 20
O 20
20
-
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n-
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pr
ay
ug
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ar
pr
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ct
A Source: Department of Health
Telehealth/Telephone Attended Appointments
No of attended Telehealth appointments
100,000
90,000
Innovation and digital health Telehealth/telephone
80,000 attended appointments
70,000 Telehealth/Telephone Attended Appointments
Following the declaration of
No of attended Telehealth appointments
60,000
100,000
the pandemic there was a rapid
50,000
90,000
escalation in telehealth and 80,000
40,000
telephone appointments. The 70,000
30,000
number of virtual appointments 60,000
20,000
has decreased since the easing 50,000
10,000
40,000
of restrictions commenced 0
30,000
Fe 20
M 20
A 20
M 20
Ju 20
Ju 20
A 20
Se 20
O 20
20
19
Ju 19
Ju 19
A 19
Se 19
O 19
N 19
D 19
Ja 19
in June 2020 but remain
-
-
n-
l-
-
p-
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-
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n-
b-
-
-
-
n-
l-
-
p-
-
20,000
pr
ay
ug
ct
ov
ec
ar
pr
ay
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ct
A
M
higher than the previous year 10,000
(169% higher in October 2020 0
compared to October 2019).
D 19
Ja 19
Fe 20
M 20
A 20
M 20
Ju 20
Ju 20
A 20
Se 20
O 20
20
19
Ju 19
Ju 19
A 19
Se 19
O 19
N 19
-
-
-
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n-
l-
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p-
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pr
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A
M
Source: Department of Health
Mental health
Consistent with impacts in other states and While some alcohol-related harm indicators
territories, it is anticipated that the mental diminished during the early stages of the
health impact of the pandemic will be further pandemic, most have returned to pre-pandemic
realised over the coming months and years. levels with a recent spike that is being
Young people are likely to experience an monitored.
increase in mental health and alcohol
A range of measures have been put in place
and other drugs issues beyond the immediate
to support those in need, including the
response and recovery period.
expansion of mental health, alcohol and other
Between July and November 2020, 27,417 drug services across the State, provision of
mental health related emergency department community-based accommodation services,
attendances occurred Statewide, an increase and funding for existing services to adjust to
of 4.1% (1,076 attendances) compared to the the impacts of COVID-19.
same period in 2019.
8 WA Impact Statement
At-risk people and communities
Aboriginal people are at greater Regional response plans to date. Further COVID-19
risk during a pandemic due to a have been developed and are transmission was contained
range of contributing factors. currently being tested through in each of these cases.
This risk has been reflected in WA Country Health Service’s
COVID-19 also poses additional
clinical guidelines and planning assurance program. Regional
challenges for culturally and
related to COVID-19. There are ports have also been involved
linguistically diverse people,
continuing restrictions on travel in testing outbreak plans
especially those with lower
to most remote Aboriginal and the recent experiences
levels of English and health
communities. of COVID-19 positive crew in
literacy such as refugees and
the Pilbara and Midwest have
Some people with disability humanitarian entrants. The
enabled assessment of local
who have high support needs health system has responded
health service responses.
or underlying chronic health by making clear and easily
conditions are also at greater Older people and residents of understood health messaging
risk during a pandemic. residential aged care facilities available in multiple languages,
Guidance has been developed are among the most vulnerable and by working with agencies
to assist people with disability, to COVID-19. There have that engage directly with
their carers and disability been COVID-19 cases in staff multicultural communities.
organisations respond to a members of two facilities,
future outbreak. and two cases of residents of
residential aged care facilities
Aboriginal people
are at a greater risk
during a pandemic.
9 WA Impact Statement
Known impacts:
Economic and infrastructure
Economic update
In the June quarter 2020, the However, Western Australia’s Corresponding to this, almost
domestic economy contracted control of community 87% of the jobs lost due to the
by 6.4% – the largest decline transmission of the virus pandemic as of October 2020
on record – with more than has resulted in a faster than have been returned, with the
103,000 jobs lost in the three expected recovery. Treasury’s unemployment rate now the
months to May 2020. This initial modelling of a 3.1% second lowest of all states.
highlights the severe impact contraction in the economy
The 2020-21 Mid-year Review
that the pandemic initially had in 2020-21 has since been
estimates general government
on economic activity. The cost revised to growth of 2% in
revenue in 2020-21 to be
of containing the virus was the 2020-21 Mid-year Review,
$1.4 billion higher relative
particularly felt by households, reflecting stronger spending
to the 2020-21 Budget.
with restrictions on travel by households and businesses
and hospitality leading to following the easing of
a 11.3% decline in household COVID-19 restrictions.
consumption in the June
2020 quarter.
Both consumer
and business
sentiment are in
positive territory.
10 WA Impact StatementJobs
The Western Australian labour market is
now well on its way to making a recovery.
As of November 2020, around 101,700
(98.5%) of the initial jobs lost have been
recovered, while total hours worked
have returned to pre-COVID levels. The
unemployment rate has fallen from its peak
of 8.7% in June 2020 to 6.4% in November
2020, the second lowest of all states.
Internet job vacancies in the State are at
a level not seen since mid-2013.
Workforce availability is an emerging
issue in some industries, including in
regional areas.
Employment – monthly Internet Vacancies
'000 Seasonally Adjusted
Persons
1,400
1,375 '000s
22
20
1,350
18
1,325 16
14
1,300
12
10
1,275
8
1,250 6
Nov-16 Nov-17 Nov-18 Nov-19 Nov-20 Nov-16 Nov-17 Nov-18 Nov-19 Nov-20
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics Source: Department of Education, Skills and Employment
Business confidence NAB business confidence
Index
Business confidence in Western Australia,
40
measured by the NAB business survey,
has broadly been back in positive territory 20
since June 2020. Business and employment 0
conditions in Western Australia were the
-20
strongest of all States in trend terms as
at November 2020. -40
-60
-80
Nov-17 Nov-18 Nov-19 Nov-20
Source: National Australia Bank
11 WA Impact StatementState Government revenue Residential construction and Infrastructure use
State Government revenue housing market Spend on transport services
has been more resilient than Following the removal of (public transport, ridesharing
originally estimated in the May restrictions on home opens, and taxis) has rebounded to
2020 economic update, aided established house and pre-pandemic levels following
by a stronger than expected unit sales have lifted to a large fall in April 2020.
economic recovery, with payroll levels last seen in 2013–14. Whilst daily public transport
and stamp duty revenue higher. Furthermore, the number of patronage has significantly
weekly land sales surged to recovered since its low of 12%
Consumer spending its highest on record following of pre-COVID-19 pandemic
the introduction of State levels in February 2020, it
Real retail trade grew by a
and Australian Government remains below the patronage
record 10.2% in the September
construction grants in June assumptions reflected in the
2020 quarter and by 12.8% in
2020. While still elevated 2020-21 Budget.
year-ended terms, the strongest
in early November, sales
year ended growth since June
have since moderated to
1992. Western Australia and
pre-stimulus levels.
the Northern Territory were
the only jurisdictions to record
two consecutive quarters of
growth in retail trade volumes,
while all other jurisdictions
recorded declines in the June
2020 quarter.
Consumer sentiment
The Westpac-Melbourne Institute Survey shows
consumer sentiment remaining in positive
territory and above pre-pandemic levels for
the fourth consecutive month. The sharp
turnaround in confidence corresponds to the
swift containment of the virus and reopening
of the Western Australian economy, along with
unprecedented levels of fiscal support through
measures such as JobKeeper and the State
Government’s $5.5 billion WA Recovery Plan.
WA consumer sentiment
Index
120
110
100
90
80
70
60
Dec-17 Dec-18 Dec-19 Dec-20
Source: Westpac/Melbourne Institute
12 WA Impact StatementKnown impacts:
Social
Housing and homelessness Public housing waitlist
After peaking in March 2020, End of month
homelessness demand indicators 16,000 General Waitlist (LHS) Priority Waitlist (RHS) 3000
are now below 2019 levels. The
15,500 2500
public housing waitlist is up more
15,000
than 8% since March 2020. The 2000
rental vacancy rate is less than 14,500
1500
1%, the lowest since 2007. 14,000
1000
13,500
500
13,000
12,500 0
20
Ju 9
19
Se 9
19
19
19
Ja 9
20
20
20
20
Ju 0
20
20
Se 0
20
20
1
1
1
2
2
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l-
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p-
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Ju
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A
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O
N
A
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A
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Source: Department of Communities
Family and domestic violence Calls to FDV helplines (inc. calls transferred in)
The Western Australian Police Force reported Number during the month
increases in family violence incidents of Women's DV Calls Men's DV Calls
around 18% between March and December 1,000
2020 compared to the same period last 900
800
year. However, calls to family and domestic 700
violence helplines have now returned to levels 600
500
seen in January 2020. The long-term financial 400
and hardship impacts of the pandemic, such 300
200
as unemployment and mental health, are
100
likely to compound or exacerbate family and 0
Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May June July Aug Sep Oct Nov
domestic violence during recovery.
Source: Department of Communities
Youth employment
Youth unemployment '000
Monthly
people
Youth unemployment in November
220
2020 was 14.7%, up from 12% before
the pandemic and compared to an 210
overall unemployment rate of 6.4%. It
compares favourably to a national youth 200
unemployment rate of 14.6%. Around 54% 190
of the initial 42,900 jobs lost by the 15 to
24 year age cohort has been recovered. 180
170
160
150
Nov-16 Nov-17 Nov-18 Nov-19 Nov-20
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics
13 WA Impact StatementEducation Women
Following the State of Women were disproportionately As the controlled interstate
Emergency declaration on affected by unemployment border regime is implemented,
15 March 2020, on-site school and increased caring Western Australians can
attendance dropped to 10.6% responsibilities in the early reconnect with family and
in week 9 of term 1. Week stages of the pandemic. friends from low risk states
4 of term 2 (18 May 2020) However, once restrictions and territories.
marked the recommencement were lifted, industries with
In the initial months of the
of compulsory on-site high concentrations of female
pandemic, some culturally
attendance. On-site workers recovered well. For
and linguistically diverse
attendance has now returned example, while peaking at
communities experienced a
to usual levels. 9.3% in July 2020, female
rise in COVID-19 related racism
unemployment fell to 6.7% in
and racist criminal activity.
Child safety November 2020. This compares
There has since been a decline
favourably to the national
The number of children in care in reported activity.
female unemployment rate
has remained stable in recent
of 7.1%.
months. Kids Helpline has noted Visa holders
an 18.3% increase in contacts
Community and social Many visa holders (including
across concern types for the
capital asylum seekers, international
three months ending October
students and working holiday
2020 compared to the same Public health restrictions
makers) are ineligible for
period last year. impacted community
Australian Government
organisations and individuals,
welfare payments and were
Crime and justice especially vulnerable cohorts.
significantly impacted by travel
Most restrictions on arts,
Overall regional and and employment restrictions.
culture, community, sports
metropolitan crime rates While easing restrictions
and hospitality venues and
remain down. Adult prisoner enabled some visa holders to
facilities have now been lifted.
numbers decreased from March return to work or home, many
This has encouraged people to
to October 2020 and remain are unable to return to their
reconnect with local friends,
below 2019 levels. home countries, access visa
family and services, and is
extensions or reunite with
improving overall community
families due to domestic and
wellbeing while also providing
international travel restrictions.
much-needed revenue and jobs.
14 WA Impact StatementKnown impacts:
Industry
Agriculture and Construction Tourism
primary industries After initially being affected The closure of the international
Agriculture and primary by restrictions and investor border has hurt tourism
industries have played an uncertainty, activity across businesses that rely on these
important role in Western the construction industry markets, including hotel and
Australia’s economic recovery – residential building, transport operators servicing
to date. They have had to infrastructure and resources the Perth CBD. However, it has
manage workforce shortages projects – is vibrant, being also meant tourism spending
and supply chain vulnerabilities. supported by a range of WA by Western Australians has
The State’s relationship with Government funded projects been diverted away from
key markets is vital to maintain and measures. Industry overseas and interstate to the
and grow these sectors. concerns have now turned local market. The reopening of
to managing the high demand interstate borders is leading to
Retail and hospitality for labour and materials. both an inflow and outflow of
tourism activity for Western
Lifting restrictions combined
Australia but this may be
with the Australian
limited by
Government’s income support
the availability of airline
measures have allowed the
services and a cautious
retail and hospitality sectors
approach by travellers.
to recover some of the job
losses that occurred between
February and May 2020.
Longer term, the pandemic
is expected to reshape jobs,
businesses and consumer
behaviour in these sectors.
The pandemic is still
expected to reshape
jobs, businesses and
consumer behaviour.
15 WA Impact StatementInternational education Resources
While no new international $48 million with further losses Iron ore and gold producers
students are arriving, new expected in 2021. Ongoing have continued to benefit
enrolments are coming from venue and travel restrictions from higher prices. Other
students who are already in continue to limit revenue and mining industries and the oil
Western Australia and have employment. and gas industry are cutting
decided to continue their costs and reconsidering future
studies onshore. The net Sport and recreation development plans amid lower
impact is still negative: new commodity prices, demand
About 40,000 community
student enrolments for the uncertainty and international
sports fixtures were affected
second half of 2020 have trade tensions.
through a significantly shorter
declined by 43% (as of August
winter season. Contact sports
2020). Small to medium private Defence and related
and training are now permitted;
education providers that industries
and gyms, leisure centres and
deliver shorter courses have
fitness studios are open with Activity in the defence
been the most affected as they
some requirements to remain industries remains largely
rely on a continual turnover of
COVID safe. unaffected. Infrastructure
onshore international students
investment in Henderson
to generate revenue.
Manufacturing to accommodate naval
sustainment and construction
Culture and the arts With the initial concerns of
programs is progressing as
ensuring local manufacturing
More than 32,000 cultural and planned. Travel restrictions
capacity of PPE having
arts events were cancelled, have affected the ability of the
been addressed, the local
film and television productions State’s defence and related
manufacturing industry’s
stalled, and art, literature and industries to conduct business,
focus has turned to realising
music sales faced significant and work with Australian
longer term opportunities
losses. On average casual Government departments and
that have arisen as a result
employment decreased by specialised contractors.
of the COVID-19 disruption.
75%, contract employment
For example, the WA Recovery
decreased by 78%, and revenue
Plan provides support for the
reduced by 72%. The estimated
local manufacture of wind
financial impact is currently
turbines and railcars for the
iron ore industry.
Change in jobs by industry
All Industries
Financial & Insurance Services
Public Administration & Safety
Health Care & Social Assistance
Electricity, Gas, Water & Waste services
Retail Trade
Wholesale trade
Professional, Scientific & Technical Services
Other Services
Administrative & Support Services
Education & Training
Manufacturing
Mining
Agriculture, Forestry & Fishing
Transport, Postal & Warehousing
Construction
Rental, Hiring & Real Estate Services
Arts & Recreation Services
Accommodation & Food Services
Information Media & Telecommunications
%
-40 -30 -20 -10 0 10 20
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics 14 Mar to 18 Apr 14 Mar to 28 Nov
16 WA Impact StatementKnown impacts:
Regions
Employment Job advertisements by region
Regional employment is forecast to grow, 1600
with some regions having more jobs than 1400
can be met through local labour supply. 1200
Job advertisements in the regions continue 1000
Gascoyne and Mid West
Great Southern
to grow and ABS labour force data for October 800 Goldfields-Esperance
2020 shows overall employment has returned Kimberley
600
Peel
to pre-pandemic levels. However, issues remain Pilbara
400
for women, youth and Aboriginal communities. South West
200 Wheatbelt
Specifically, the lack of available childcare 0
in the regions is re-emerging as a barrier to
greater workforce participation. In addition, the
Peel region has seen a 45% increase in people Source: seek.com
on Jobactive case management.
Industry Digital connectivity
Most regions have experienced Western Australian business The lack of digital connectivity
improvements in their supply chains have a high in the regions hampered the
economic conditions and reliance on imports. This has ability of some industries,
business confidence is presented both a challenge businesses and workers
improving. Strong gold, iron ore and an opportunity for local to adopt online models. In
and agricultural activities have businesses. particular, the agricultural
shielded some regions from sector continues to grapple
While tourism operators are
the worst economic impacts. with connectivity issues that
reporting very strong visitor
Other regions, more reliant on inhibit the productivity and
numbers, there is a concern
the oil and gas sectors or on technological enhancements
this may exacerbate labour
service based industries, have needed to compete in global
shortages in the tourism sector
been more severely impacted. markets.
which may translate into
Industries reliant on seasonal
negative visitor experiences.
and working holiday labour
continue to find it difficult to
attract workers, with efforts
to increase local labour having
mixed results across the State.
Regional
employment is
forecast to grow.
17 WA Impact StatementRemote Aboriginal Social impacts Training and development
communities With an acute lack of housing The recovery is reshaping
Several remote Aboriginal stock and high rental prices in businesses and presenting
communities remain closed many regions, the commitment new opportunities. This is
or only partially open to to refurbishing and building new creating challenges for the
visitors. Ongoing cooperation social housing is assisting the regional workforce as well as
and collaboration between homeless and those waiting for opportunities to maximise
Government, Aboriginal leaders social housing. employment through training
and community groups are vulnerable sections of regional
While arts, cultural, sports and
needed to ensure the safety communities.
recreational organisations are
and wellbeing of members of
largely recovering and returning
these communities.
to normal activities, social
vulnerability and a high demand
for social services remain.
18 WA Impact StatementYou can also read
