EXPLORATION INDUSTRY SUFFERS SERIOUS NEGLECT BY GOVERNMENT
Press Release: Thursday 22nd June 2000
A meeting of geoscientists, organised by the Australian Geoscientists Skills
and Employment Network, was addressed by Mr. Phil Crabb, the Managing
Director of Thundelarra Minerals Ltd. Mr. Crabb outlined the lack of
awareness amongst the public in general and most politicians about the
critical role the mining industry plays in the Australian Economy and the
severe problems currently facing the industry.
WA is the largest exporting state in the Commonwealth and the mining
industry provides in excess of 70% of the state’s exports. The increase in
prices recently negotiated by coal exporters is worth more to Australia than
the nation’s total annual wine production.
In spite of this contribution to Australia’s economic well being,
politicians of all persuasions have failed to recognise the severe
difficulties being faced by the industry. The latest ABS statistics show
that exploration expenditure has now fallen for 11 consecutive quarters and
is now at its lowest level since March 1993 and more than 50% of exploration
workers are looking for employment.
Although some recent changes to Corporate Law are positive, without capital
investment the changes will have little impact, the investment incentives
given to other areas of the economy are denied to exploration companies. A
decline in Australia’s mineral exports and a fall in government revenues is
inevitable. Another mining tax, this time on gold production commences on 1
July and the State Government continues to reduce funding for the State
Geological Survey. WADOT funding for mining and geoscience courses at TAFE
has been denied; the WA government spends only $750,000 pa on mining related
training compared to $33 million for agricultural training schemes! The
future of the industry, so important to all Australians is being seriously
neglected.
In addition the problems with the Native Title System continue to fester. A
transparent, practical system that is fair to all parties still remains out
of reach. The lack of progress is not just an issue for mining industry and
Aboriginal communities, but is impacting on the economies and services in
regional communities. Many politicians seem to have consigned the issue to
the too hard basket, but the matter is in urgent need of resolution.
If our own political representatives continue to ignore the issues besetting
the mining industry there will be a call for new representation at the next
elections.
Compiled by John Williams - Chairman Ph.94011293
and Keith Wells - Vice-Chairman Ph.92722421
Australian Geoscientist Skills and Employment Network - AGSEAN
agsean.freeservers.com
PO Box 1447 WEST PERTH WA 6872
