In the Lobby Issue 99
In the lead up to the Federal Election we expect to hear a fair bit from Industry Lobby Groups.
Improved productivity should be the focus for new Prime Minister
The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Western Australia wasted little time in congratulating Kevin Rudd on his return to the Prime Ministership.
It also wasted little time in letting him know its position in regards to when we should go to the polls.
“Stable government is vital to the WA business community,” CCI WA chief executive James Pearson said in a statement.
“An extended period of political uncertainty and anti-business policies has worn away the confidence of business and consumers.”
“A lack of confidence in the government and our economic prospects means less investment in industry and creating jobs.
“The easiest way to provide certainty for business and consumers is to let voters decide at an election as soon as possible.
“We hope this change in leadership means a change in focus, which puts the competitiveness and productivity of our nation at the forefront of economic policy.”
Pearson said he believed WA employers would welcome the new Prime Minister’s statement that he wants to work closely with business.
However, in the same breath he said it was important the government was able to get its policy settings right and that these should be undertaken in consultation with business, to take advantage of the opportunities from the continued growth of our regional neighbours.
“To do this though, Australian and WA businesses need to be competitive,” Pearson said.
“They need a competitive tax system, a regulatory environment that doesn’t unduly hold back their operations, employment relations that are flexible and investment in capacity building infrastructure.”
Timely commencement of the new Mining Rehabilitation Fund
The Association of Mining and Exploration Companies (AMEC) has welcomed the commencement of the Western Australian Government’s new Mining Rehabilitation Fund (MRF) as a timely welcome boost for mid-tier miners and junior exploration companies in Western Australia.
Since the passage of legislation to create the MRF in late 2012 AMEC has worked with the Department of Mines and Petroleum (DMP) to ensure a smooth transition.
The Mining Lobby Group said the MRF will ultimately free up cash which is currently being used to support unconditional performance bonds.
The MRF is due to kick in on 1 July 2013, after which eligible companies may voluntarily apply to participate.
This will result in these companies not being required to provide a bond as security to meet their environmental obligations.
The MRF will become compulsory for all Mining Act projects from 1 July 2014.
“The MRF has apparently already attracted more than 370 voluntary registrations, which is a terrific response by industry and highlights the positive reception this has had already”. AMEC chief executive officer Simon Bennison said in a statement.
“AMEC has been a major supporter and driver of this legislation and has worked closely with the DMP to develop this positive outcome for industry.
“As a high proportion of existing unconditional performance bonds are cash backed, immediate access to that cash will enable companies to use those funds for operational purposes and expand existing drilling programs.”
Bennison said AMEC had received feedback from a recent information seminar that indicated the MRF was popular with industry participants, who consider the scheme will be a win-win for industry and the environment.
“The challenge is now for other Australian jurisdictions to acknowledge the significant benefits, and introduce it themselves,” Bennison said.
“While this is a great starting point, more work is required on the detail of the implementation of this initiative.”