Busselton local Adam Barr believes the proposed gold tax by the state government is a threat to the industry.
“I have been working in the mining and construction industry in WA since I was 18 years old,” he said.
“Mining is extremely important to me, my families future and importantly the south west’s economy.
“This is a real threat to us, I work at Telfer gold mine up here in the north if and it’s a big show a real big show, and if this comes in it will close I can guarantee it. We need our jobs to help keep supporting the community buying local joining swimming clubs, surf lifesaving and all the rest.”
Vasse MP Libby Mettam said the state governments gold industry tax would see job losses.
“Treasurer Ben Wyatt’s justification that placing an additional tax on the WA gold industry was part of the key budget repair measure, begs the question why he, and the Premier didn’t share this with the West Australian public prior to the election,” she said.
“There is no doubt that the costs associated with Labor’s increase of the gold royalty rate will impact on future investment in the gold inducted and, most importantly result in further job losses, impacting on the livelihoods of many WA families.
“In addition, only 40 per cent of the expected $100 million per annum that will be raised over the next 4 years will remain in WA, which is hardly effective budget repair.”
However,Treasurer Ben Wyatt said the tax was needed to fix the states poor financial status.
“The reality of the situation is that the decision of the Liberal and National parties will heap further pressure on WA households. They have decided to side with a very profitable industry over WA families.
“The idea that the Government should simply find an alternative revenue source, arguably one that impacts on no-one while also raising billions of dollars is quite simply laughable. It shows the naïve political fantasy land that the Liberal Party now inhabits.”