Big g'day to USA from everyone except WA

The WA Government has defended being the only State not to sponsor the Australia Week trade showcase in the US, claiming the American market was "primarily East Coast-focused".

The stance drew criticism yesterday from the WA tourism industry and State Opposition, which said the Government was waving the white flag in the competition to cash in on a lucrative market.

Now in its eighth year, the 14-day event across eight US cities spruiks Australian business, arts, education and tourism credentials to its most important trade partner.

Perth-born television personality Rove McManus was the MC at this year's 950-head G'Day USA gala ball in Los Angeles at the weekend and reportedly chided his home State for not supporting Australia Week.

Organisers say the event reaches 100 million people, giving 200 Australian companies and 35 event partners $10 million worth of media exposure.

WA's absence coincides with chat show queen Oprah Winfrey reporting her Australian experiences to the US in another highly-publicised event which had little WA input.

Premier Colin Barnett said the Government preferred to concentrate on Asian and Indian Ocean rim markets.

"The US market is primarily East Coast-focused and the major oil and gas companies have a significant presence in Perth," he said. "Government and business consult regularly with them at this level."

Shadow State development minister Mark McGowan said the stance was "weak and pathetic". "WA is big enough, strong enough and rich enough to focus both on Asia and our biggest investment partner," he said.

"Mr Barnett went to the US last year on a very expensive trip and sang the praises of the relationship. He should not just talk the talk but he should walk the walk as well."

Tourism Council chief executive Graham Moss said he was surprised at the WA Government's decision.

He assumed every State contributed and believed it would be an important event for WA to be involved in.