Mine companies wrong to revive tax debate

23 July 2010

The small group of mine companies who want to revive the debate about the Minerals Resource Rent Tax are wrong about the effect on their section of this important industry, AWU National Secretary, Paul Howes, said.

 “ The Minerals Resource Rent Tax now on the table is a good result. Good for Australia. Good for our members. And importantly good for our members’ employers,” Paul Howes said.

 “ I was quite surprised to hear this grumbling about the tax .

 “ Not one of the mining employers – both large and small – who I have talked with, since the MRRT been put into place, have made any negative comments to me.

 “ I’ve always believed that employers and unions should consult, negotiate and seek to come up with a win-win.

 “ And I think that Prime Minister Gillard has delivered the win-win.

 “ The deal signed by the Government with BHP, Rio and Xstrata is not just good for the Big Three but will also protect the livelihoods of our members in the smaller more marginal mines such as those in Tasmania and Victoria,” Paul Howes said.