WMC Mine Act claims rejected

Western Mining Corporation is continuing to hold a gun at the head of the Kambalda workforce and trying to do the same with the Western Australian Government over changes to the Mines Regulation Act.

Deputy Premier and State Development Minister Ian Taylor said today he totally rejected the claims of WMC Managing Director Hugh Morgan over requirements to change the Act.

"It is clearly stated in the memorandum of understanding that the legislation is required in the next session of Parliament and the changes would be required by the end of 1992," Mr Taylor said.

"The legislation which was introduced into State Parliament was Opposition legislation and not Government legislation. Nothing the Government has done would justify the extravagant response by Mr Morgan.

"The agreement states that those changes must not compromise occupational health and safety aspects - and the Government's legislation will ensure that condition is met.

"That legislation will be introduced into the next session of Parliament and as a requirement to making changes to the Act or introducing new regulations relevant to the Act, under that Act, the Mines Minister is required to consult with industry and unions. That is also what the Government will do before the legislation is put forward.

"Changes to the Act are not done simply by Ministerial discretion - they must be introduced and approved by Parliament.

"The Government Bill will take into account all matters set out in the memorandum of understanding - at the same time, I make it clear to Western Mining that the State Government is the legislative authority in Western Australia, not Mr Morgan.

"The withdrawal of the upgrade program for Kambalda is holding the gun to the head of the workforce and it is time that WMC realised that their objectives can be better achieved through by working with the Government and the unions rather than their current policy of confrontation."