Media Releases
Greens Deal Must Not Jeopardise Next Wave of Resource Projects
01/09/10
In the event federal Labor secures sufficient support to form a minority government, today’s agreement between Labor and the Greens must not come at the expense of the nation’s emerging resource projects.
The Chamber of Minerals and Energy of Western Australia (CME) will seek assurances from the Prime Minister Julia Gillard, that member companies and sector jobs will be protected from the adverse impact of Greens policy.
CME Chief Executive Reg Howard-Smith said industry concerns included a fresh push by the Greens for a nation-wide ban on uranium mining and any move to make Australian mining operations the most highly-taxed in the world.
“We need a categoric commitment from Labor that the current negotiations in Canberra will not add another layer of uncertainty to an industry, still coming to terms with the impact of the proposed resource rent tax,” Mr Howard-Smith said.
Since the state government overturned a ban on uranium mining, several companies have actively pursued projects in Western Australia, with some proposals already being assessed under the approvals process.
“This emerging sector has the potential to create thousands of jobs over many years, and help bolster the national economy,” Mr Howard-Smith said.
CME is also concerned by public calls from the Greens during the election campaign, to increase the rate of the proposed Minerals Resource Rent Tax.*
“To increase the tax burden on companies affected by the proposed resource rent tax, would have grave implications for our international competitiveness, and the sector’s ability to attract investment,” Mr Howard-Smith said.
“As today’s National Accounts figures show, the resource sector is driving our export economy, underpinning hundreds of thousands of jobs across the country.”
* “We’d be looking at increasing both the amount that’s raised from the mining tax and then also how it’s used over time.” NSW Greens Senator-elect Lee Rhiannon. Australian Financial Review, 21 July 2010.
The same article continues... “Although he has promised the Greens will not use its numbers to block the resources tax, Senator Bob Brown said his party’s grip on the Senate should provide enough leverage to win concessions.”