A serious crash in West Perth has resulted in the closure of part of Hay Street and the Mitchell Freeway northbound off-ramp this morning. The incident, which occurred around 6:40 am, involved a ute and a delivery van colliding as they exited the freeway onto Hay Street, subsequently crashing into the first floor of a nearby building. Major Crash investigators are currently reconstructing the scene to determine the cause of the accident.
The collision has left a female driver in her 70s in critical condition, while a man in his 30s has also sustained serious injuries. The structural integrity of the building, which houses a business, has been compromised, leading to the evacuation of workers earlier today. Emergency services, including police, firefighters, and paramedics, remain on the scene, and motorists are advised to avoid the area due to road closures and significant traffic congestion.
Western Australia’s Role in Critical Minerals Pact
In a separate development, Western Australia is gaining attention on the international stage as a key player in a newly signed critical minerals pact between Australia and the United States. Energy Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson highlighted the significance of a visit by a top Trump advisor, which she views as evidence of the state’s central role in the agreement.
Joshua Kroon, the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Textiles, Consumer Goods, Materials, Critical Minerals & Metals at the US International Trade Association, is set to visit Western Australia this week. This visit follows the announcement of a $3.1 billion deal aimed at reducing dependence on China for rare earth elements critical to advanced manufacturing.
“I think it demonstrates that when we’re talking about critical minerals, we’re really talking about Western Australia,” said Sanderson. “The critical minerals are here in Western Australia – so this is an enormous opportunity for our diversified economy.”
The pact represents a split funding agreement between the US and Australian governments to initiate rare earth projects. Sanderson emphasized the potential for Western Australia to strengthen international partnerships and contribute to global decarbonization efforts.
Investment in TAFE Facilities to Boost Workforce
Meanwhile, the Western Australian government has announced a $300,000 investment in new TAFE facilities to increase the number of electricians in the workforce. This investment has doubled the Capstone testing capacity at North Metropolitan TAFE’s Balga campus, allowing for up to 700 apprentices and skilled migrants to be tested annually.
At a press conference, Skills and TAFE Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson stated that electricians are vital to the state’s clean energy future and economic growth. She also announced the addition of six more construction trades and pre-apprenticeships to the fee-free and low-fee TAFE plan starting January 2026.
“We’re working around where those pinch points are in the economy, and obviously housing and clean energy infrastructure are two areas where we want to significantly expand those trades,” Sanderson said. “You are guaranteed a job if you do an electrical trade. They are well-paid jobs, and they’re secure jobs in Western Australia.”
The move aims not only to address workforce shortages but also to encourage more women to enter these trades, ensuring a more diverse and inclusive workforce.
Implications and Future Outlook
The crash on Hay Street underscores the ongoing challenges of road safety and infrastructure integrity in urban areas. As investigations continue, authorities will likely review traffic management and safety measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
On the economic front, Western Australia’s involvement in the critical minerals pact with the US could position the state as a leader in the global supply chain for essential materials. This partnership may lead to increased investment and job creation, further bolstering the state’s economic performance.
As Western Australia continues to invest in education and training, the region is poised to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving job market, particularly in sectors crucial to sustainability and technological advancement.
Both the crash and the economic developments highlight the dynamic challenges and opportunities facing Western Australia, as it navigates the complexities of growth and safety in a modern context.
