Well said and totally agree with you tony. And here I am trying to get mechanical engineering Vac work, dont think to many people will be getting trainee opportunities until the super tax is decided :(

a lot of long faces around here now!
Rio, BHP, FMG all our big client work has been put on stop for future work and scaled back on present ongoings!

looks like I may have to take an off shore role where they develop other countries minerals while ours lay fallow!

You don't kill the golden goose! you don't upset it, you feed it and give it love and cuddles.....

If our mining indsustry stops expansion projects every single person will hurt, from Maccers girls selling take aways, to car dealers, to corner shops. Only people immune will be the politicians and goverment jobs! yes the tools in offices in goverment agencies out of touch living in their little socialism bubbles and thinking the world works for 6% return!

Our admin lady is the sole bread winner, as her hubby is out of work as builder. They could loose their house if we make her redundant next month! He has been trying to get into construction work now for six weeks, but no one is hiring anyone extra on more than a month or two contract. WTF how can people survive without expansion and new projects?

( my rant over!)

.....That is complete balderdash. What a load of absolute bunkum. Total misinformation from greedy mining companies with a vested interest. It is for the working families. It is for the 300/- small business’ out there. It is for a fairer share for all Australians. Those mining companies only pay 13% tax. No mining companies have been affected. No mining companies have canceled projects. Scare tactics…..…….

How many more false phrases can Rudd/Swan put out there?

Hopefully everyone is starting to see through them.

Good luck going forwarded Tony.

Kevin Rudd. He has never seen so much interest from resource companies looking to take their money out of Australia and invest in Papua New Guinea.

in 1972 - i voted for Gough and look at the shambles he left behind him. I just about lose my lunch every time Rudd starts his dribble about " Working Families" he wouldn't meet a real worker from one year to the next - anyway, the way things are going there won't be too many working soon for him to patronise.

increase the alco pop tax and sales go down, those cretins want us to believe increase super tax and mining goes up!!!!!!!!

Can't "cry over spilt milk" just don't let him get back in !!!

Tony, Im sorry to hear about people at your workplace suffering, and I know alot of people on this site are Mining/Oil and gas/FIFO Workers, So are plenty of my friends. But let me just chuck it out there.  This IS about all Australians and let me tell you that the majority of people in WA arent getting fuck all from mining atm.  Sure some people have jobs on the mines, but the rest of us dont.  While you are all off earning a squillion dollars the rest of us cannot afford to buy houses.

What I am concerned about is this shit advertising campaign, from mining about needing a strong mining indusrtry to support Australians.  Where is our support when you are all buying 2+ properties when the rest of us on sensible wages cannot afford properties?

Also what is the predicted lifespan of minerals/oil and gas? I have heard from 15-50 years at the rate we are expanding.  What then? Seriously we are selling gas to China at 4c a litre and selling it to motorists at 50+ in our own country.  You say you dont kill the golden goose, you cuddle and feed it, well what happens when the golden goose is impotent and doesnt produce golden eggs anymore?

If in 15 years we run out of resources, we are fucked as countries like America which has been waging wars for oil for at least the last 8 years make us look like tools when we have sold everything for a pittance.  Then all these cashed up bogans are going to be out of a job unless they like FIFO from Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, Russia, Africa or some other god forsaken hell hole to keep up the mortgages on the places they "own" now.  Good luck finding a job local thats going to pay 150-200$k then, or any sympathy from the locals.

This resource boom, and the need to exploit it now is absolute fucking crap.  We need to stop exporting the family silverware at ridiculous prices NOW.  Yes you work away from home in the heat, flies and do hard work.  But the rest of us work just as hard, and we arent claiming we are doing it in the best interest of all Australians. If we are doing good things for the benefit of third world countries economy by slowing down mining, then GOOD, Let them sell everything off and let us prosper down the line.

What's the alternative though? Tony Abbott, really?

These two in charge of the main parties are a very good reason to abolish compulsory voting.

PS I think the red flag bit is going a bit far Tony, there's a huge difference between socialism and communism.

The oil and gas industry already pay this tax in Australia?

That tax rate is still lower than the US?

Mining operations will only be paying the tax when they start earning money instead of when they start the operation as current?

That means start up operations have the capital to start an operation then pay tax only when they are making a profit?

This would assist projects on getting off the ground?

U gotta love the rhetoric about how people in mining earn squillions, becoming property magnates and live some kind of charmed life by virtue of a higher than average income. What a load of shit. Yes there is an opportunity to get ahead if you're prepared to make a few scarifices but I don't know many people pretending to put up with all of the negative aspects of the mining industry "in the best interest of all Australians". People put up with living in a box, job insecurity, often crap work conditions and time away from family in the interests of hoping to make a better life for themselves and their family.  The only person pretending to act in the best interest of Australians is little Kevvy. Do you really think he is out there looking after your best interests and that you'll get a slice of the action when the super tax kicks in? Wake up! If the money does flow into the public coffers it will be in the form of handouts that buy votes, not passed on to working class people who may be deluded enough to believe that they will suddenly cash in on Australia's mineral/energy wealth. If you're really determined to live the dream life that working in mining brings, jump on a plane and have a go at it yourself. Come back to me in 15 years and tell me how you go champ, cause that's how long I've been in the industry and listening to bullshit about this so callled charmed life that mining people lead.

Come back to me in 15 years and tell me how you go champ, cause that's how long I've been in the industry and listening to bullshit about this so callled charmed life that mining people lead.

Are you refering to Rudd as a champ?

No, Replying to Sarcasm who seems to feel hard done by

they say that it is to go toward the ageing population that will retire soon.As i understand it there are more people retiring in the next ten years than working and paying taxes.So more hands out and less productive workforce paying taxes.Now the way i look at it is i will be flogging myself to pay my bills,my taxes and try and put enough away to pay for my retirement.I will not get a pension as i am over the cutoff age.so are a lot of others on here.So my question is to all of the people that are going to complain about rising taxes is who do you think is going to pay for your pension,the countries health network(or lack there of)and everything else when you all retire?If you have gotten yourself into a situation were you are self funded in retirement my hat goes off to you but most have not.

Good point allrunder, that's a position a lot of 'developed' countries will find themselves in.

Mick - I don't think sarcasm came across as hard done by, I got the impression he supported it, maybe I've got it wrong?

"Do you really think he is out there looking after your best interests"

That phrase would apply to not one single pollie.

I do agree with you Madmick, theres a lot of people that say theyll get a job on the mines.

Anyone in the mining industry knows its no picnic.  Its not only the conditions its also the time away from family if its FIFO.

I dont know about now but the hourly rate used to be pretty average.  It was only the 12 hour days that made the pay look good.  12 hour days in exceptional heat outside isnt easy street.

Keep in mindGina Rinehart wants to bring in nearby foreign workers to fill the apparent skills shortage.  Some companies will be questioning whther some positions in the industry will be easy to get as part of their business case when considering operation viability.

Gina Rinehartdoes concern me, especially when some big local engineering projects in the billions went to China not long ago and local enigineering firms are much slower than they were the past couple of years. 

Does Gold pay the current proposed Tax scheme already?  I though they did?

Yeah lets take away from those that produce and give it to those that don't. Mainly those in the east who produce f*ck knows what oh thats right, Holden cars and um and um.. thats about it. Great export commodity that one, should keep the balance of payments in check.

The socialist have blown the $20 billion surplus left by the last Liberal Government and is on track for a record deficit this year of $57 billion, will rack up $52 billion in interest over the next four years and is now looking to take as much as it can from Western Australian to try and fix there financial f*cking mismanagement. 

Go tax someone eles you F*ckwit.

I have been living and working in the Pilbara for 17 years now , while I do believe that the mining companies are only in it for the Shareholders , it has been the likes of Pilbara Iron and BHP which basically helped this country come out ahead of the pack from the GFC . While I feel sorry for the Eastern States for the shit they have themselves in I will not be happy if the Super Tax impacts on Rio's or BHP's investments for the future expansion of their operations , pisses me off to hear how hard it is to get ahead over east but I have lost count of the number of people I have offered a start or helping hand to move over from the east , the general comment is , you work how many hours a day ? and it can't really get that hot can it ? You pay how much for fuel , how close is it to the nearest hospital with attending doctors in emergency, Don't Get me Started !!! Fuck yeah we have it easy in the Pilbara !!!!

Fairly easy to make a profit when the good times are a rollin' though, isn't it outwide?

Hi Ya,

Interesting enough, the super tax is for superannuation (mind you, every time Krudd opened his mouth the super tax is to fund something else so apparently this is going to be the super elixir) BUT, with the super tax affecting share prices, it is going to have to fund superannuation right now!.

Here is an interesting thought for you.  I have heard it discussed money people who should know what they are talking about, but if the govt was serious about reforming tax, they could abolish all existing taxes, PAYE, payroll, stamp duty, resources tax, etc etc and apply a 2% tax on all bank transactions.  Apparently, that would raise more revenue than is currently raised but reduce tax for all honest hard working PAYE tax payers.

Now, I know it sounds stupid that such a minimal amount of tax on bank transactions would actually increase revenue, but think about it for a moment.  Those big earners getting multi millions per year only pay tax on a very small % of it.  The more you earn the more you can hide in the many and various havens.  But, if you live or do business in Australia, and it is mandatory for all such persons/businesses to have a bank account in Australia, revenue could actually go up while our tax bill goes down.  If I earned (and I don't unfortunately) $100,000 per year and I paid a 2% tax on all bank transactions, I would in effect pay $4000 per year tax maximum ($2000 on deposits and $2000 on expenditure, assuming I don't save anything).  That would be a substantial reduction from the $13,000 I now pay on a wage much less than $100K.  If I earned $1 million, I'd pay $40,000 tax (which in all probability would be a substantial increase in the tax paid knowing how income is hidden) etc. 

The trouble with this proposal is that those who can write off most of their income to minimise the tax Bill are the very same ones that make the laws in this country.  And imagine any government irrespective of ideology making such a brave move and closing (well almost) the tax office and putting all those people out of work along with many tax agents etc.

The discussion I heard indicated that in fact, on current best estimates on the annual value of bank transactions in Australia, a 1% transaction tax would actually increase revenue.

Anyway, liked the idea which can't be said for the tax ripoff we currently face.  I wonder to what degree this came about because Krudd couldn't that massive tax hike  passed he wanted to disguise as a Carbon Trading Scheme.

Cheers.

the Super Tax would help boost everyone's superannuation. However, when you go through their policy, it is the companies and the workers that will be paying for the increase in superannuation for the majority of peope and the government is only going to kick in for those on a below average income.

But I work in a mining town. I work in Health and feel sorry for people up here. To afford the rental for a property up here to provide health mean slugging up the fees. At the end of the day Health workers up here either love the country and its sacrifices, or are "bonded" to work remote (mostly Overseas Trained).

After all the costs are taken out no wonder Health workers want to flock to the big cities. At the end of the day they earn the same and have less stress living and working remotely.

To stuff around with these communities and their sacifices is bluntly crap. KRudd wants to rip the guts out of "the Engine of Australia"!!

Bring it on LOSER. Tony Abbott is no angel, but at least he is honest about his flaws, and I do admire that in people. KRudd a perfect Angel???

We will see at the election.

I dont have any concerns about people moving to the land of Oz legally, but smuggling them in boats -- No way!! That blocks places for the legal ones.

And stop wasting our money!!

JMO

Well Queensland has felt it last night, with 65 jobs axed on the day and 300 on contract that would have been awarded in the next few months gone with Xtrata pulling the pin on their project.

http://www.news.com.au/business/xstrata-miners-tell-of-tough-times-ahead/story-e6frfm1i-1225875323995
tell these poor boys they got sqillions and to harden up!! I think not, many of these guys are going to be on the bones of their @rse in a few weeks time! The drought killed their farms and now KRudd is killing their last income stream too!

Last night had a few subbies come over and ask if I knew where they could get more work! They been told the next contract they all where guarenteed three months back in a "no go" till the resources tax issue is over.
Most of these guys have enough saved cash to survive maybe two to three months, then start loosing homes, cars and all they have.

Contract construction workers bank on working 12 to 18 months, then about 3 off till next contract. Some of these guys have only done about 6 months and won't have saved enough to survive a drought, as most sat around last year when the GFC put the brakes on projects.

before anyone of you bag the FIFO guys again in construction, try it. Hard work even for the woman doing 9 hr shifts scrubbing floors, toilets and making up the rooms.

This tax could break more families than the GFC did, cause at least when the GFC kicked in we all had savings to fall back on, now most of us used that savings up last year and where hopping to build back up again. A kick in the nuts now will be fatal for many's finances.

countries only grow when they produce products.
be they raw products, value added or export services.
You don't make an ecconomy out of McDonalds, Meyters, KFC and Harvey Normans.....
some one has to produce a good value item, be it minerals or machines, then money flows into a state. otherwise we living off debt and borrowed time!

JMO
Tony

Is it just me or is eveything getting taxed more and more in the last year? I heard this morning that parking in the city is going up makeing the govenment 20million or something. Everythings going up in price as well as more and more multinovas trying to catch you off guard doing 5kph over yet our wages stay the same.

See ya later Krudd, wont be voting for you next time. I think Howard did a better job!

and i have decided to run for prime minister and if i get in we will all only pay around 6% in tax.That should fix all the countries problems.

But, if we get rid of the eastern states we probably won't have to pay any tax.

Like ya idea about christmas island!!!

Five star fishing resort for WA taxpayers.  Isn't that what it would be like.  Pool tables, internet, they got more luxuries than most aussies

Sorry double post...

A point to consider for those who like the super tax. How long till they move it over from the mining industry? To other industry's that perform well. Maybe if we get another building boom brickies could be paying a extra 40% tax on top of what you already pay? Could you afford that? Would you stay or go brick over seas?

What about fast food industry or food and hospitality. Would you keep the doors open if you had to come up with another 40% tax over and above what you already pay?

So my last question is why do you think the mining boys will stay around?

People talk about Greed on behave of the mining industry. I agree greed is the issue here but IMHO not on behalf of the miner...

So they make squillions..They also invest a hell of lot more than that, its all about % of return... 

Kevin Rudd spent too much money when he didn't have it...Now he's making everyone pay for it.

I wonder if there would be anybody caring if they taxed the banks a bit more. Think how much approval ratings would rise if Rudd announced them as the target instead.

so if the new super tax is going to pay for future superannuation

how would this work?

 if we abolish compuslry super

and raise the tax across the board a few %  then we could all have a pension in the future

that way if you wanted extra you can save it yourself

i work for myself 10 years now and i have no super i simply cannot afford to pay it  so i will rely on the pension and some cashys if i can still work then

BIG spending governments and this is exactly what rudds mob are. The more they spend on things like handouts [rememder the $900]- Roof insulation to start fires- and computors for just about everyone, hang on i don't think he managed that one...he will have to put taxes up a little more to cover that. And what about all the public works programs in the East, of course. He goes on and on spending like a drunken sailor on shit with your hard earned tax money.

 Now there is not to much left to tax..But waite a moment there's the mines they have plenty. Lets get'em Wayne.  Someone has to pay for them computors and what about those poor old boat people lnvading our country. I believe they need a billion of your hard earned cash, poor buggers. Tax em, Tax em some more Wayne.

another 20 got marching tickets this week! And the big boss of the client on the project was in our meetings this week, and he was not smiling!

We will be laying of the lady who helps with the ironing at home, she is a pensioner and needed the extra cash, but I have to save for a dry spell, same goes for the garden service, so two people will loose out on mining dollars indirectly due to KRudds stupidity. Yes I'll cut my own lawn now and iron my own shirts, but what will those two people do to replace my dollar I paid them?
We not eating out, no movies, no luxuries around the house ( gone is the ice cream pig-out at Guildford every sunday now) cause every dollar I save is a rescue penny for me once the job is gone in a few months time.

And where does KRudd think a mining engineer is going work, besides mining??? Maccers for $20 an hour, oh they won't be needing any more staff as no cashed up miningin bogans will be around to spend dollars.

Welcome to Labor Socialism 101, learning the hard way, but never learning at all~!

All you that voted KRUDD think again why you voted for him and what he has delivered to you?
You may not have work-choices anymore, but hey why worry when you now have NO WORK at all !!!!

Better to have Work-choices with a Job, than No JOB at all!!!!

scaled at the moment for mining companies, and will they still be payable if the new tax is confirmed? I would assume that would put an end to royalty payments, am i wrong. The next question is then - How would new tax payments compare to the sums of money payed in royalties.

thats the huge issue.
States would need to give up their royalties and overall cost of mining would be about 58% in tax, compared to just under 37% on average now.

This tax, with royalties, plus payroll etc will kill off marginal projects and leave no buffer room for poor commodity prices in future.
Yes some companies pay big tax bills that look small as a % of revenue turn-over, but still huge tax bills into state coffers every year.

KRudd the dud is burying him self further and further after everything he does and says, the Libs don't have to do a thing, just sit back for the ride. You don't have to be a Rhodes scholar to see that, but funny how KRudd and his cronies just cant see it. I cant understand it.

Cheers
Dale

Must be missing something here.
I thought when businesses got to the end of the financial year and were going to make good profits they quickly reinvested within the business to keep the tax bill down.
If mining companys had a greater percentage of profits returning into expansion (read more jobs) would that lower the tax rate?

is the way Krudd and gang have just said they are going to introduce this tax with little, or no, consultation and the effect that has had on Australia's reputation as a fiscally safe place to invest. If you were thinking of investing $25 billion into a coal seam gas to LNG plant in Queensland, you are going think twice when the government comes along and changes the rules mid-game.
I was told by an investment banker from the UK recently that the London market just doesn't know how to rate Australia on risk at the moment and that they won't be putting their money into this market until things settle down.
And if your a project proponent and you can't raise capital at a reasonable rate because a country is carrying too much fiscal risk, then you are going to look elsewhere to spend your billions.

And what is the standard of living in those places (Indonesia, PNG, Malaysia, Madacascar, West Coast Africa, Central and Southern America. In fact Chile) Tony?

Maybe you'd like to go live there Tony?

There's no doubt there is room for amendment, hopefully labour will adjust some of it.

http://www.abc.net.au/4corners/special_eds/20100607/mining/

Socialists do some great things for society(apparently)

The problem is they do it with other peoples money.

Krudd is THE WORST and most dangerous leader(???) this country has ever seen.

He's blown the lot and now is clutching at straws to shore up votes over East.

PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE tell me ONE policy they've introduced that STIMULATES THE ECONOMY rather than TAXING THE ECONOMY.

It's really simple....MORE PROFIT=MORE INVESTMENT=MORE JOBS=MORE TAX FOR THE GOVERNMENT.

Finally, THE STATES OWN THE RESOURCES....CONSTITUTIONALLY!!!! NOT THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT.

This Socialist prick want to drag our economy down for his Eastern state constituents.

To the stupid fools who believe in the Krudd hype...GO BUY ANOTHER PLASMA WITH YOUR HANDOUT !!!

>>Finally, THE STATES OWN THE RESOURCES....CONSTITUTIONALLY!!!! NOT THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT.<

Then why isn't the GST revenue handed out proportionately to the states accordingly to the tax it is generated?
That was started by Liberals.

Theyre all a bunch of cronies. They're all the same. Left right but no one in the middle. Obviously Howard was awesome in the end, that's why he was voted out. His plan was to lower unskilled wages to simulate the economy till it drained dry. Oh yes the miners remember work choices.

What do you think Liberal would have done when other countries pulled the whole stimulus package?

What like America the land of the free who handed it to businesses who squandered their US taxpayer money on marketing in the hope of the US public making those same companies like the same banks better? They even bought their own banks, a great socialism. They looked up last month, but hang on..
They've pissed it in the wind.
It appears in many countries where many of these CEOs live just ain't looking that flash economically at present. You wonder why?

Bush did the complete opposite. He lowered taxes, then he lowered them again then he lowered them again; that sure attracted foreign investment. China just keeps buying bonds to the point the US citizens, every woman and child owes $40000 US which by the way is a lot to a US citizen.
About $70000 in Aussie money. Lets hope China doesn't stop buying America.

Actually I spent the majority of my stimulus at a local tackle shop where I knew as much money would stay local as much as it could to keep the boys in jobs. Not just the one either.

Its started at the bottom and went up instead of starting at the top unlike the US. The Gerry Harveys were very happy to take that money in the end. They weren't complaining.

>>It's really simple....MORE PROFIT=MORE INVESTMENT=MORE JOBS=MORE TAX FOR THE GOVERNMENT.<

If you believe none of that "Australian profit" went to places like EG:Indonesia for investment then well..

BHP is no longer the big Australian, be sure of that..

Personally I cant see a problem with China buying more Iron Ore to build more Plasmas and the like.. Dont rely on the US

That 50 billion dollar infrastructure project that went to China because Australians couldnt handled its size probably did some good. Loads of profit goin overseas..

Wait till Gina Rinehardts international workers arrive sending their money home..
They have done that in the commercial building industry, tilers from Korea sending their money home yet cant even read the induction course..

I wonder how much that impacted Tonys little engineering business.. Bit slower are we Tony?
A few people sacked?
The investment banker can blow another 10 billion in Canada if he wishes

With the coming of over seas workers doing jobs that were once done by Aussies. Son was working as a decky on a trawler out of Exmouth last season,the other decky was from overseas and getting paid a minimum of $170 a day plus percentage of the catch , which ever is the greater. With the season coming to an end the import decky was earning more than the skipper due to poor catches and getting his board and keep as well.

Much the same is happening in Carnarvon with imports cleaning cooked crabs, making nets as well as working the deck on the trawlers and crab boats.

It would be well and good if these position were unable to be filled by locals but I cannot remember seeing an ad in for crew or process worker in either the local paper or the West Australian.

With all the hoo haa about the proposed new tax and the supposed boom happening in the mining industry as a pensioner I'm certainly not going to hold my breath for a whiff of some coming my way, some may benefit but the majority are missing out and paying extra for the priviledge

you can keep believing that Labor propaganda and when the cupboards bare and unions run out of funds to pay guys to sit on their bums eating the last drumstick of the golden goose

Thats what they said about Gold mining industry Tony.

iam not on of em. but resources run out. the fishing industry is going tat way. thats one of the reasons why I retrained and did something else. there is only so much of the shit. so what happens to the old job the bloke left to take up mining? it is take by someone from overseas. it feels like to me iam being chased out of my own country. If we are not selling bits of australia to overseas we are letting em buy property here, letting em work here and/or letting em stay here on an all expenses paid holiday. Iam not being racist here. all iam saying is that australia used to be a self sufficent country that fed its self. it still could be. but add a dollar sign and everyone wants to rape the bastard. keep the tax local and I wouldnt have a problem. hey even another stimulus payment. I wont knock it back. but there are people overseas who need help so the government better do the right thing and help them!!

Sarcasm0 you make lots of sense!!!

I have a couple of issues with the whole debacle.

For one why is the government even allowing any negotiation with the mining companies? Since when do any individuals or companies alike have a say in how much tax they have to pay?

If it is true that a fair proportion of the tax is going to fund extra superannuation for the whole country benefitting the entire Australian workforce then it shows you that these mining companies don't give a shit and are utterly greedy considering the fact that it is only a small portion of Australians that directly benefit from mining whereas the rest of us are actually adversely affected by them.

Just like Sarcasm points out with the ridiculous prices of housing. Average salary workers do not stand a chance of affording a house above the 26th parralel if they are not employed within a mine. Not every one wants to be a mine worker but most would at least like to be able to afford a home.

Also as Pilbara Brad mentions with capsicum being $13 a kilo. Why is it so expensive I wonder. Same principle as the housing affordability no doubt.

Mining output also has an effect on inflation which inturn has a negative effect on interest rates.

These companies will still survive no doubt with the tax. If they don't then there will be other companies lining up to take their place in the future.

Greed mate, nothing mre than greed.
when you asking $2500 a week for a fibro 3 room in Karratha!
Tell me who owns those rentals and who is reaping cream hand over fist?
Buying fuel at $1,60 /litre
buying a bloody apple for $12 a kilo, when they $4/kg in Perth...WTF.
don't blame greed on the mining companies, blame it on those raping their fellow aussies pockets!

what grinds me more is the companies keeping doors closed to guys wanting to break into new feilds and get experience. Everyone wants a chap with 5 years or 10 years expereince in a field, but none will give a new recruite a break or a mature worker a chance to bridge over. We just see workers hopping from one company to another and back and forward each time for a dollar an hour more or so... a never ending upwards spiral.

I'd like to see an Engineering uni / Tafe set up in the North to support the oil, gas and mining fields like the mines School in Kal, and ensuring we get new graduates and trade skills developed and into the fields.

I'd like to see housing in the north of Geraldton on the same par cost wise as Perth, and ground being so plentiful up there, it should be cheaper. You should be able to get a 1000m3 lot in Karratha or port Headland or Rouburn shire for under $50k and put a tranportable on it for under $150k. So a family can settle and work up there under $200k and not the $1million it now costs!!!!

time for some one in goverment with balls to stop the greed and spread the land out and develop the state, instead of taxing and over pricing the state!
Just my views

When I left there Hamersley Iron had put a heap of its houses on the market and you could pick some up for around $50,000.

>>There is certainly no shortage of land available in the norwest.Just none of it has been developed for sale. I put the blame squarley on Landcorp. They should be releasing 10 times the land that they are currently doing.<

Landcorp is a corporation set up to sell land for the government. It makes money off the land therefore strives to make as much money as possible for the government.
Between Landcorp and the developers holding off land release in a slower market creating a higher demand over less supply which they are entitled to do so is leaving us with a hell of mortgage price.
Something has to change as this is to some degree artificial pricing. It could lead to a substantial dive in the price if say eg:mining companies dump a bunch of projects.
Those houses in Karratha were $50000 because a lot of people were laid off at one stage leaving a glut of housing in Karratha. There's nothing to say that cant happen again when a towns exposure is to one industry such as mining.
With more and more projects coming on line at a rapid rate will be getting people to these work places.
It may not be tax as a risk, it maybe in the future available workers that put projects at jeopardy.
When the building industry was in full flight the biggest risk to say Fiona Stanley hospital or the new stadium was getting building people to do the work. Anyone with decent long term building experience was to some degree sick of the highly unstable construction work availability shot up North. Some construction workers already left for the mining industry years ago for steadier work. Some purchased several of those 50 grand Karratha houses before the prices went up when no one wanted them.
Anyone thinking the mining industry is unstable employment should try the building industry.

http://www.watoday.com.au/business/35bn-push-into-liberias-iron-ore-lode-20100613-y5wm.html
Well big shots fired now by both the big boys!
BHP will be developing it's Liberia deposit and Rio it's Simandou project in the Republic of Guinea, that leaves just FMG as a major player to place it's next bet!

Between the big boys it means close to $15billion in new projects will be off shore from Australia for the newxt four year period.

Lot of panic now among our workers and EPCM contractors, rhey have to either work off shore in places far far from home or go look for other work in a very tight market in Australia.

mate give it a rest its getting a bit borrrring

I love fishing not talking about mining, join the cause!!!

for bringing the facts out for people to see. Some may not like the facts but most of us do fine them interesting.

cant beleive i actually sat here and read this absolute utter childsplay all 85 posts and there is only one "sane" post quote: i love fishing not mining talk!! get with it people we all have mortgages and job insecurity.......want a tissue?

Tough issue, I can see good points on both sides of the argument.

IMO some of the profits and wages in the mining industry are WAY higher than they should be and yes the unions make it impossible for subcontractors to pay lower wages to the (relatively)unskilled workers involved etc, but i reckon if this tax comes into play it will have to filter down through the whole system and fix up our two speed economy a bit. I dont claim to know much about economics but I can see a heap of benefits to this tax if the fine details and the problems discussed on this forum can be resolved.

and if you only wanna read about fishing, maybe just ignore the general discussion forum?

I have read some of the opnions on here and that is all they are 'opinions' which some people are passing off as facts.

I think both sides have some fair arguments but it is a bit rich saying to read what mining company CEOs are posting on their websites - hardly unbiased reading there.

There is some pretty heavy lobbying on here but I think most sane and level headed people know to listen to both sides of the argument, ideally from well informed people not people out trying to scare monger people into forming an opinion, seek out your facts then form an opinion. In the mean time, go fishing and just relax.

Well in the time it took to read this thread Rhinehart ,Forrest and crew have stuffed another mattress full of $100 notes , i thought the idea was to share the wealth around,,take it off the fatcats and spread it around, i did not reliese the impact its having already on a whole bunch of folks.

Good thread Tony,its seems things are really bad and the tax is not even here yet.