Mining industry positive on new appointment
Gray’s appointment has generally been welcomed by the mining industry, who have encouraged the new Minister to address a range of problems in his new portfolio.
Speaking on his appointment, Director of Western Australia’s Chamber of Minerals and Energy, Nicole Roocke said Gray, formerly the Special Minister of State, had a very good understanding of WA and the sector, and his challenge would be to ensure federal politicians and bureaucrats understood the impact of their decisions on the state.
Ms Rooke said she did not think his new position would be compromised by his former role with energy giant Woodside.
“We don’t see that it will put him in a difficult situation,” Ms Roocke said.
She also urged Gray to engage with the environmental portfolio, “because that is one area we are being hamstrung by government policy”.
The Association of Mining and Exploration Companies (AMEC) congratulated Gray in his appointment as Minister for Resources and Energy.
“Gary’s experience in the resources sector will be invaluable in addressing many of the issues facing the industry,” said Simon Bennison, AMEC CEO.
“Over recent years Gary has shown his understanding of many industry issues, particularly as they relate to the workforce. He is certainly capable of managing the portfolio and has an excellent rapport with industry.
Australian Mines and Metals Association chief executive Steve Knott also welcomed the appointment of Gray.
“He genuinely consulted closely with the Australian Mines and Metals Association and other resource industry bodies when he played a leading role in the 2010 National Resources Sector Employment Taskforce, Mr Knott said.
Queensland Resources Council Chief Executive Michael Roche said that Gray’s appointment would be well received by the minerals and energy sector in Queensland.
‘Minister Gray has a unique understanding of the political process and our sector through previous roles as national secretary of the ALP and as an executive with a major West Australian-based resources company,’ Mr Roche said.
The Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association (APPEA) welcomed Gray’s appointment,“at a crucial time in the industry’s history”
APPEA Chief Executive David Byers said, “APPEA also looks forward to meeting with Minister Gray to discuss work underway to develop the skilled workforce and local industry supply capability needed to build and operate all of the projects now under construction, as well as what can be done to reverse the decline in labour productivity growth that Australia has experienced in recent years.”
Who is Mr Gray?
- Born in Yorkshire, England, in 1958
- Emigrated with his family to Whyalla, South Australia, in 1966
- First job out of highschool was with BHP steelworks
- Graduated from Australian National University in Canberra with a degree in economics in 1981
- Moved to Kwinana to study education at the University of Western Australia in 1983
- Worked for the Labor Party in Northern Territory and then in the UK
- Elected National Secretary of the ALP 1993 – 2000
- Took on role as the Executive Director of the West Australian Institute for Medical Research in 2000
- Director of Corporate Affairs at Woodside Petroleum from 2002 to 2007
- Elected to the House of Representatives for Brand, Western Australia, 2007 and 2010
- Parliamentary Secretary for Regional Development and Northern Australia 2007 – 2009
- Appointed Special Minister of State & Special Minister of State for the Public Service and Integrity 2010
- Appointed Federal Minister for Resources and Energy 2013
- Married with three children
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