Working in Western Australia
Your rights in the workplace
Guide to industries
Business opportunities
The Western Australian economy is largely dominated by the mining and resources sector. Western Australia’s land is rich with resources (iron-ore, gold, natural gas and diamonds) that are mined, processed and exported all over the world.
The State produces several products for Australia and the international export market:
wheat, barley and other grains;
wool, lamb and beef;
seafood (western rock lobsters, prawns, crabs, shark and tuna); and
wine.
The manufacturing of mined resources (engineering metals, shipbuilding, petrol and diesel) form a large proportion of this industry. Food manufacturing and processing from the agricultural industry contribute strongly to the economy.
These industries have grown significantly during the past few years with more international tourists visiting Western Australia and students choosing to study here. Towns with smaller populations have benefited from this increase, as the generated income increases the prosperity of the region.