Julie Bishop - Member for Curtin

Mining Tax Bad for WA

Wednesday, 09 June 2010

Thousands of Western Australians rallied against Kevin Rudd’s 40 per cent tax slug on Australia’s resource sector today at the Hyatt Regency Hotel and Deputy Leader of the Opposition and Federal Member for Curtin Julie Bishop stood alongside them.

Ms Bishop said the rally coincided with the Prime Minister’s attendance at a Perth Press Club lunch and was a clear indication to Kevin Rudd and Labor that its outrageous resource tax is not welcome.

“Labor’s 40 per cent tax grab on mining companies is a direct threat to Western Australia’s economy, and the Australian economy in general, as it will send jobs and investment offshore,” Ms Bishop said.

“In addition to significantly impacting on WA’s North West Shelf – one of the biggest projects in Australia’s history – a cloud of uncertainty now hangs over future resources projects. Australia’s reputation as an attractive destination for foreign investment is under threat.

“Mr Rudd has failed to give credit to the mining sector for protecting Australia from the worst impacts of the global financial crisis.
 
“The Coalition does not support Labor’s 40 per cent tax slug on Australia’s resource sector and I will continue to do everything in my power to ensure that our state and growing economy is not stunted by Labor’s poorly considered tax burden on Australian based companies,” Ms Bishop said.