Britain’s Brexit decision to leave the European Union (EU) will bring in a flood of young British families and increased business investment in Australia, according to Premier, Colin Barnett.
Mr Barnett told The Sunday Times newspaper that British young professionals and young couples with children were likely to be unsure about their future and may consider migrating to Australia to explore opportunities for job security and career progression, housing affordability and access to quality health and education.
“I expect we will see a significant increase in the numbers of young and qualified Britons wanting to migrate to Australia and start a new life, and I think WA will be the most attractive,” said Mr Barnett.
Mr Barnett said WA already has the highest proportion of people from the UK living in the state compared to Australia’s other states, providing UK migrants a welcoming sense of ‘familiarity’. He also said many would be attracted to the resilience of the WA economy.
“The WA economy has been remarkably resilient. We’ve got the second-lowest unemployment rate in Australia despite the mining downturn. Eight years ago, the mining and petroleum industry was worth $58 billion. It rose to a peak of $150 billion and $95 billion today (26 June, 2016) so it’s still a huge industry.”
Chamber of Commerce and Industry WA chief executive officer, Deidre Willmott said businesses in Britain would look to opportunities in Australia, and particularly WA, to grow their business.
“We’ve got a very attractive environment here for investing and for growing new business in our established industries, such as the resources industry,” Ms Willmott said.
Source: Perth Now
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