The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Western Australia (CCIWA) has taken a significant step in stabilising its leadership team by appointing a new chief economist.
Kiely Returns to CCIWA After Decade at BCEC
Daniel Kiely will leave his position as a senior research fellow at the Bankwest Curtin Economics Centre (BCEC) to rejoin CCIWA in early February 2025. This move marks a return for Dr Kiely, who previously worked at the state's peak business lobby group before his ten-year stint at BCEC.
His appointment fills the vacancy left by Aaron Morey, who departed to lead the Chamber of Minerals and Energy. The recruitment is part of a broader leadership overhaul at CCIWA, which also saw chief executive Peter Cock exit the role only a few months after starting. The chief executive position remains unfilled.
Focus on Key Economic Issues for WA
Acting CCIWA chief Matt Golds welcomed the appointment, stating Dr Kiely would be a strong advocate for the state. "We are so excited to have someone of Daniel's calibre to lead our team of economists and policy experts at CCIWA," Mr Golds said.
In his new role, the chief economist's immediate priorities will include:
- Payroll tax reform to support local businesses.
- Navigating the complexities of the energy transition.
- The ongoing GST distribution review being conducted by the Productivity Commission.
"Daniel will be a champion for Western Australia as a leading destination for business and investment," Mr Golds added, highlighting the role's importance in shaping policy.
Stabilising the Ship After Executive Changes
The appointment of a permanent chief economist is seen as a crucial move to provide continuity and expert analysis for CCIWA's members. The organisation has experienced notable executive turbulence in recent months, making this hiring a key step towards renewed stability.
Dr Kiely's deep understanding of the Western Australian economy, gained from both his academic work at BCEC and his prior experience at CCIWA, positions him to immediately engage with the state's most pressing business and economic challenges.
