Victoria – Open for (resources) business

OUT AND ABOUT: Opening the RIU Melbourne Resources RoundUp, Victorian Minister for Energy and Resources Michael O’Brien paid homage to the state’s mining history by informing those present of the state Parliament’s decision to establish a Victorian mineral emblem.

“It will not shock you to hear that we, as a Parliament, unanimously decided to appoint gold as the mineral emblem of this state,” O’Brien said.

Gold would be a sensible choice given it practically put Victoria on the map through the gold rush days that set the scene for much of what the modern-day industry endures.

The miners’ strike at the Eureka Stockade railed against taxes of the time that were focussed on allowing the sticky fingers of the government at the time to find their way into the pockets of those lucky enough to make a strike.

The stand also, in an ironic twist, gave us the flag of the Southern Cross, which has been adopted by the union movement and waved by workers in many struggles with today’s mine management.

Many Melbourne landmarks, including Parliament House, the Supreme Court, and the Exhibition Building are testament to civil legacy that mineral resources have delivered to this state.

“That is an appropriate reflection of our history, but it is also a reflection of our future,” O’Brien said.

“It is also a reflection of the fact that we regard Victoria as still being a very prospective state.

‘The Government is determined to make sure that it is easier to do business in this state, in the mineral resources area.”

 

In its bid to achieve this, the Victorian Government is establishing the foundation membership of a new body called the Earth Resources Ministerial Advisory Council.

This new council will be charged with the responsibility to bring a range of views to the table in support of the sustainable development of the state’s resources sector, and consequently its economy by identifying both emerging issues and potential solutions.

“Through this, and other forums, we will be encouraging industry to work with us to better explain the benefits of mining and work closely to deal with the genuine concerns that sometimes arise in communities as a project develops,” O’Brien explained.

“Whether it is early exploration or production, businesses do need to bring local communities with them; government has a role in facilitating that.

“Through this new Earth Resources Ministerial Advisory Council we want to ensure Victoria is leading the way in terms of making sure the community is very much on side when it comes to these projects.”

O’Brien pointed to his record as Minister for Energy and Resources, relating one of his first achievements in the chair was to launch a parliamentary committee to explore greenfields development in Victoria.

The committee was asked to find out why the state was lagging in that particular area, the barriers the industry was encountering and how other states were dealing with the same challenge.

The committee returned with a list of 25 recommendations, which O’Brien indicated was made richer by enjoying bi-partisan support.

“I’m sure that as people involved in the industry you are as sick as anyone of being used as political football,” he said.

“What we don’t want to see are short-term, knee-jerk reactions, policies implemented one day – policies reversed the next; or policies changed by an incoming government if they’re going to hurt the industry.

“So we have worked very hard to deliver a series of major recommendations to changes of policy and regulation.”

As these recommendations have support on a bi-partisan basis, O’Brien stated they can endure beyond any future change in government.

He outlined the ambition would be to now respond to those 25 recommendations by the end of the year, saying he expected them to usher in an exciting time for those companies actively involved in the development of resources in Victoria.

“We know what your concerns are,” O’Brien said.

“We have heard them. We know that instead of dealing with different agencies and different departments you want to see a lead agency approach.

“You want to see a government actually shepherding you through the process and showing you how you can comply, rather than just saying yes or no and leaving you to your own devices.

“Victoria is very much open for business and wants to see business flourish here in this state.”