Three views of the contribution of the extractive industries to the Western Australian economy

This paper applies the ORANI-ORES model to assess the contribution of the extractive industries to the Western Australian economy. In order to give several perspectives on this contribution, three simulations are performed based on three issues which are presumed to be of considerable importance to the Western Australian economy; an expansion in overseas resource demand; a general reduction in tariffs; and a federally imposed resource export tax. The results demonstrate both the importance of these issues to Western Australia and the significance of the role of the extractive industries in determining the overall results. The indirect component of this role is especially significant.