You’ve got a (new) friend
IN THE LOBBY: When it comes to politics an industry’s best friend is whoever is in charge.
The announcement of a new Federal Ministry after a leadership spill, or even after an innocuous reshuffle, always provides some entertainment.
Malcolm Turnbull has never really been highly placed on the Christmas card list of resource industry lobby groups, however his recent ascension to the Canberra throne has everybody slapping him on the back, and telling us all how much they look forward to working with him.
If industry lobby groups are to be believed, one thing Malcolm appears to have right is lessening the previous load Minister for Industry and Science endured by Ian McFarlane, which has resulted in Josh Frydenberg being anointed as the Minister for Resources, Energy and Northern Australia.
“The creation of a new dedicated Resources and Energy portfolio is recognition of the significant role the sectors play in the Australian State, Territory and Regional economies,” The Association of Mining and Exploration Companies (AMEC) chief executive Simon Bennison said.
“The industry would like to thank The Hon Ian Macfarlane MP, outgoing Minister for Industry and Science.
“Ian’s knowledge of the portfolio was extensive and unprecedented. We was very accessible as a Minister and responded to the concerns of industry.”
The appointment of Frydenberg elicited an immediate response from Western Australia Chamber of Minerals and Energy chief executive Reg Howard-Smith.
“Minister Frydenberg should maintain a focus on reducing the cost of doing business and increasing exploration activity in order for the Western Australian resources sector to continue to grow and operate competitively in the global marketplace,” Howard-Smith in welcoming his new man.
Howard-Smith also paid homage to the outgoing Industry and Science head, Macfarlane.
“Industry appreciated Ian’s strong understanding and knowledge of resources sector issues,” Howard-Smith said.
“Together with his consultative and measured approach, these attributes made him a true champion for the resources sector.”
As far removed from Canberra Western Australia likes to feel most of the time, both groups were happy to note the number of Sandgropers being given extra responsibilities in the new line up.
WA is to be represented by a number of new ministers in the Turnbull Government, including Senator Michaelia Cash as Minister for Employment as well as taking over her former boss’ portfolio for Women.
Christian Porter picks up as Minister for Social Services, while Ken Wyatt becomes Assistant Minister for Health.
“Together with Julie Bishop, Mathias Cormann and Michael Keenan, the level of representation in key portfolios, should ensure a strong voice for Western Australian issues – including the particular concerns of the WA resources industry – in Canberra,” Howard-Smith declared.
Taking a more internal view AMEC also congratulated the new Ministers and Assistant Ministers on their appointments adding it looked forward to improved business and investment conditions for the resources sector.
“Minerals exploration is at record lows and sourcing capital is extremely challenging for mid-tier miners and explorers. We must improve confidence and provide certainty for business investment decisions,” Bennison pointed out.
“AMEC looks forward to working with the new Prime Minister, The Hon Malcolm Turnbull MP, and his new cabinet to refine the Exploration Development Incentive and take a whole of Government approach to new infrastructure developments to unlock stranded assets.”