Publications
Discovery 20: 7 October 2011
07/10/11
Articles in this edition:
Federal Environmental Law Reforms
Clean Energy Future (Carbon Tax)
Tax Forum
Minerals Resource Rent Tax
Mid West Regional Council
CHOGM Update For CME Members
Outstanding Performance by GSDU
Toronto Stock Exchange - Delegation to Perth
New Members
FEDERAL ENVIRONMENTAL LAW REFORMS
On 24 August, the Federal Government released their response to Dr Allan Hawke’s recommendations for reform of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. CME is currently developing submissions on the three discussion papers released for review – a draft Biodiversity Policy, draft Environmental Offsets Policy and a Proposal for Cost Recovery. This work is being coordinated through the Environment Committee and CME welcomes comments from the broader membership.
The Federal Government is also looking to establish a National Centre for Cooperation on Environment and Development as a neutral forum for collaboration between government, research institutions, non-government organisations and industry. CME is looking for members comments regarding the merits of CME being involved. Expressions of interest close on 1 November 2011.
Further information on the Federal Government’s review of the EPBC Act can be found at: http://www.environment.gov.au/epbc/reform/
Contact: Kane Moyle
CLEAN ENERGY FUTURE (CARBON TAX)
Following the receipt of public submissions on the Clean Energy Future (CEF) exposure draft legislation, the Federal Government introduced the relevant bills into the lower house of Parliament on 13 September with a vote targeted for 12 October. The package will then progress to the Senate.
CME has reviewed the introduced bills against the exposure draft legislation as part of its submission to the Joint Select Committee on the CEF legislation. The submission, which was lodged on 27 September, aimed to identify and understand any relevant developments of the legislation.
In addition to addressing technical matters, CME’s submission reiterated our climate change principles and opposition to the CEF legislation.
Contact: James Edwards
Email: j.edwards@cmewa.com
TAX FORUM
The Federal Government hosted a public Tax Forum in Canberra on 4-5 October to provide the public with an opportunity to engage with Government about the future of Australia’s tax and transfer system.
Prior to the Tax Forum, the Government released a Discussion Paper to inform public debate on priorities and directions for continuing tax reform. While the Discussion Paper and the Terms of Reference of the Tax Forum excluded the Minerals Resource Rent Tax (MRRT), the carbon pricing mechanism of the Clean Energy Future package and the GST, CME did provide broad comment on these taxes in our submission of 3 October due to their direct influence on the resources sector and the WA economy.
Other issues CME raised were land rich provisions, investment in exploration, and the income tax zone rebate.
Contact: James Edwards
Email: j.edwards@cmewa.com
MINERALS RESOURCE RENT TAX
On 5 October, CME lodged a submission with Federal Treasury on the second tranche of Minerals Resource Rent Tax (MRRT) exposure draft legislation. CME’s submission focussed on both technical aspects of the legislation as well as our ongoing opposition to the tax. A joint industry submission with the Minerals Council of Australia will also be submitted primarily covering detailed technical issues.
The MRRT bill is expected to be introduced into Parliament in December 2011 but timing may be affected by progress of the Clean Energy Future legislation.
Contact: James Edwards
Email: j.edwards@cmewa.com
MID WEST REGIONAL COUNCIL
The Mid West Regional Council meeting was held on 20 September in Geraldton. The Variety Club of WA delivered a presentation to members on the charity work that the club undertakes in the region and across WA. The Mid West Development Commission gave a presentation on the State Government’s Super Towns Project initiative, reporting that Morawa had been identified as a Super Town, and highlighting the economic and social benefits to the community.
Resources Industry Training Council Executive Officer, Nigel Haywood gave members a presentation covering various programs and advocacy work undertaken by CME in the areas of skills training and indigenous leadership.
Contact: Gary Snook
Email: g.snook@cmewa.com
CHOGM UPDATE FOR CME MEMBERS
CME’s next member sundowner will feature a presentation by Richard Muirhead, WA State Director, CHOGM 2011, Department of Premier and Cabinet.
Richard will provide us with an overview of CHOGM, the biggest meeting of world leaders ever held in Australia, and tell us about the activities that will be taking place in Perth in late October. He will discuss the significance of the Commonwealth, why CHOGM is important for Western Australia and will outline how we can all be involved in the action.
CME members are invited to join us for the evening, and stay on after the presentation to enjoy a delightful menu, featuring a taste of Commonwealth Countries.
Contact: Jasmin Slingsby
Email: j.slingsby@cmewa.com
OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE BY GSDU
On 26 September the Gold Stealing Detection Unit (GSDU) were awarded a Certificate of Outstanding Performance from WA Police. The GSDU were recognised for dedication and professionalism to policing in the gold mining industry.
The GSDU responded promptly in February 2011 to theft of gold concentrate from a mine site in the North Eastern Goldfields. The apprehension of two offenders followed.
Superintendent Kevin Looby, WA Police Goldfields-Esperance District presented the award to the GSDU, and commended the GSDU.
Contact: Linda Crook
Email: l.crook@cmewa.com
TORONTO STOCK EXCHANGE - DELEGATION TO PERTH
PricewaterhouseCoopers will be hosting a seminar in Perth on 17 October, providing information on the opportunities for Australian mining and oil & gas companies to list on Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) or TSX Venture Exchange (TSXV).
TSX Representatives, Orlee Wertheim, Head of Business Development – Global Mining, and Cindy Gray, Head of Business Development - Global Energy, will be travelling to Perth along with some Canadian legal and transfer agent experts.
For further details or to register, please visit www.pwc.com.au/events/torontostock.
Contact: Jasmin Slingsby
Email: j.slingsby@cmewa.com
NEW MEMBERS
CME is pleased to welcome the following new members:
ATCO Australia, headquartered in Perth, develops, builds, owns and operates new energy and infrastructure assets, drawing upon our existing expertise in power generation, the transmission and distribution of electricity and natural gas, and natural gas gathering, processing, storage and liquids extraction. In addition to three power generations stations and nine ATCO Structures & Logistics offices, ATCO Australia own Western Australia’s largest reticulated gas infrastructure asset.
Website: http://www.atcoaustralia.com.au
Contact: Tony Salters, Vice President, Energy Infrastructure
Phone: 08 9320 0205
Email: tony.salters@atcoaustralia.com.au
Telstra Enterprise & Government provides network services and solutions to more than 200 of the world’s top 500 companies. They rely on us to do business across 240 countries and territories and to enable greater productivity, efficiency and growth.
Website: http://www.telstra.com
Contact: Louise Aspinall, Industry Development Executive, National - Oil & Gas Industry.
Phone: 08 6224 5016
Email: Louise.Aspinall@team.telstra.com
Harrier is a specialist HR and Recruitment services provider committed to improving our clients’ business performance through their people. Whether running entire on-site recruitment functions, HR Recruitment or HR Consulting, our reputation is based on the quality and experience of our team who are all dedicated to exceptional and measurable delivery. We have extensive experience in the oil & gas and resources sector and are central to our clients' organisational development strategies in highly competitive labour markets.
Website: http://www.harrierhr.com
Contact: Bruce McCowan, Managing Director
Phone: 08 6365 4330
Email: bruce.mccowan@harrierhr.com
UPCOMING EVENTS
Member Sundowner – 13 October
The next event in this series will feature a presentation from Richard Muirhead, WA State Director, CHOGM 2011, Department of Premier and Cabinet, discussing the CHOGM program and supporting events.
Members are welcome to attend. Further details in article above.
North West Sundowner – 19 October
CME, in conjunction with the Pilbara Development Commission, will be hosting an industry sundowner in Karratha. Members and stakeholders are welcome to attend.
CME Christmas Cocktails – 6 December
Please save the date, invitations will be distributed in late October.
INDUSTRY EVENTS
What’s Down the Track Forum - 27 October
The Forum features presentations from a cross-section of resource sector companies, representing various commodities in the Goldfields-Esperance region.
Please visit the CME Events page for full details on these activities, and a listing of other industry events. http://cmewa.com.au/News,_Events_and_Media/Events
Contact: Jasmin Slingsby
Email: j.slingsby@cmewa.com