Australian Resources and Energy Group AREEA welcomes the appointment of Kelly O’Dwyer as Minister for Jobs, Industrial Relations and Women in the new Morrison Ministry announced this afternoon.

“Kelly O’Dwyer is a talented and highly capable minister, well known and highly regarded by AREEA and our members,” said Steve Knott, AREEA Chief Executive.

“In her previous portfolios including Minister for Small Business, Assistant Treasurer and Minister for Women, we have found Kelly to have strong knowledge of the resources and energy sector as well as workplace and industrial relations matters.

“Her engagement and support of AREEA’s government-funded national gender diversity initiative, the Australian Women in Resources Alliance, has supported the industry in lifting its promotion, attraction and retention of women in resources and energy careers.

“She will be an excellent minister in her new portfolio which, significantly, has elevated industrial relations back to its rightful place as a senior cabinet role.

“Meaningful industrial relations reform has been one of the great drivers of Australia’s prosperity over the past 30 years.

“As stated by Australia’s 25th Prime Minister John Winston Howard at AREEA’s Centenary Gala Dinner earlier this month, reforming our workplace system is ‘unfinished business’ that is critical to the international prosperity of our nation.

“AREEA and our members hope to see industrial relations form a significant part of the national policy debate leading up to the next Federal Election.

“More broadly, we congratulate all ministers appointed to the Morrison Ministry, including the retention of Matthew Canavan as Minister for Resources and Northern Australia, and wish the new Prime Minister and his team all the best in moving Australia forward.”

MEDIA CONTACT: Brad Thompson 0409 781 580

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