WA’S ROLE IN ASIA’S ENERGY TRANSITION AND ECONOMIC FUTURE
A Discussion Paper from WACCC, released ahead of the WA–Asia Business Forum on 4 August.
DISCUSSION PAPER
Asia’s energy transition is reshaping where investment flows and where industries grow. This Discussion Paper examines what that shift means for Western Australia.
It draws on interviews with five senior business leaders, alongside research from the International Energy Agency, the Bankwest Curtin Economics Centre, AEMO and Austrade. It does not advocate policy positions. It puts eight questions to the government and industry leaders taking part in the Forum.
CONTRIBUTORS
PETER COLEMAN
Former CEO and Managing Director, Woodside Energy
APPLE PAGET
Group Chief Financial Officer, Fortescue
DAVID SUN
Former Managing Director, Sinosteel Midwest Corporation Limited
LEWIS LU
President, Australia China Association for Energy and Resources
BJ ZHUANG AM
Former Regional Director, Western Australian Trade Office in Shanghai
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It cannot be about short-term self-gain. It has to be a long-term focus that endures across political and economic cycles. Both sides of the table have to benefit. Everybody is a good friend when the economy is good. It’s the tougher times that prove the strength of a partnership.
APPLE PAGET · GROUP CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER, FORTESCUE
WHAT’S INSIDE
- Asia’s energy inflection point
- Western Australia’s position: powerhouse in transition
- Perspectives from Peter Coleman
- Perspectives from Apple Paget
- The domestic energy platform
- Questions for government and industry
- What this means for WA businesses
WA–ASIA BUSINESS FORUM 2026
Tuesday 4 August 2026
9.00am registration for a 9.30am start, concluding 2.30pm
Crown Ballroom 1 & 2, Crown Perth
Information and policy settings referenced in this paper are current as at 20 July 2026. Views expressed by interviewees inform discussion and do not represent the official positions of their organisations or WACCC. For media enquiries or permission to share this paper, contact admin@waccc.com.au.
