Moore shouldn't talk down mining industry

15/12/04
Liberal resources spokesperson Norman Moore should stop talking down the State's mining industry and join with the Government in celebrating the industry's unprecedented growth, according to State Development Minister Clive Brown.
Mr Brown's comments were made following news today that Western Australia had recorded its highest quarter of mineral exploration since December, 1998.
Earlier this week, Mr Moore claimed expenditure on mineral exploration was falling. However, figures released by the ABS showed that total expenditure on mineral exploration in WA during this year's September quarter was $147.9million, up from $138.8million in this year's June quarter. The figure was also significantly higher than expenditure during last year's September quarter, which was $108.5million.

Mr Brown said Mr Moore was being dishonest and should stop talking down the industry.
"The Gallop Government has a plan that is working to grow the economy, build stronger communities and protect the environment," he said.
"Over the last four years, we have achieved record levels of business investment, created more than 80,000 jobs and brought unemployment down to 4.3 per cent, the lowest on current records.
"We have taken significant action to boost mineral exploration by carrying out the Bowler Inquiry into Greenfields Exploration and beginning a $12million hi-tech airborne geological survey program, which has the potential to unlock billions of dollars worth of natural resources and sustain the mining industry for generations.
"During this time, quarterly expenditure on mineral exploration has grown from $90.8million in March, 2001 to $147.9million in September, 2004.
"This is in stark contrast to Norman Moore's claim that expenditure is decreasing and I can only assume Mr Moore is in a state of denial over how well the State's economy is performing under a Labor Government."
The Minister said WA's strong mineral exploration expenditure growth could be even greater if the Howard Government would agree to introduce a flow-through shares scheme, as consistently advocated by the Gallop Government over the last four years.
"Both Eyre MLA John Bowler and I have consistently advocated for introduction of a flow-through shares scheme by the Commonwealth Government," he said.
"I am pleased to see Norman Moore has recently jumped on our bandwagon, although he may wish to consult with Kalgoorlie MLA Matt Birney, who suggested the scheme would be too expensive when promised by the Federal Labor Party prior to this year's Federal election."
Minister's office: 9222 9699