[Greens-Media] Roozendaal protects mining giants from increased royalties

[Alison Orme]

NSW Greens MP Lee Rhiannon - Media Release - 6 May 2010

Roozendaal protects mining giants from increased royalties

Greens MP and mining spokesperson Lee Rhiannon says the NSW Treasurer Eric Roozendaal is short-changing the people of NSW by announcing he would hold off increasing mining royalties in the upcoming NSW Budget in June.

"By giving the mining industry a tax break, Treasurer Roozendaal is showing that NSW Labor is still a captive of the big coal giants, just like his colleague Mineral Resources Minister Ian Macdonald," Ms Rhiannon said.

"The Treasurer's decision demonstrates a lack of loyalty to his federal colleagues. 

"Prime Minister Kevin Rudd is prepared to impose a new resource tax to see the benefits of the mining boom are shared, not creamed off by a few multinationals. 

"It is disappointing that Treasurer Roozendaal will not take a leaf out of Kevin Rudd's book and properly tax the mining industry 

"Mr Roozendaal should add his voice to the call for mining companies to pay their way.

"For too long the NSW government has succumbed to the mining industry and under-charged for access to resources that have made a few companies very wealthy. 

"BHP Billiton made A$6.1 billion net profit just in the second half of 2009 and Rio Tinto A$5.57 billion in 2008/2009.

"Resource companies like BHP Billiton and Rio Tinto need to contribute their fair share, especially considering the health and environmental burden their mining projects are imposing on coal communities across NSW," Ms Rhiannon said.

For more information: 9230 3551, 0427 861 568


Alison Orme
Adviser, Greens MLC Lee Rhiannon (p/t all days save Wed)
Macquarie St, Sydney 2000
Tel: +61-2-9230 3551 Fax: +61-2-9230 3550
Mobile: 0432 332 104
Email alison.orme at parliament.nsw.gov.au 
Web www.leerhiannon.org.au