Martin Ferguson (Batman, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Resources and Energy) Share this | Hansard source

Let us deal with the last question first. I think, to be fair, the member for Groom also understands the importance of this. As you know, with respect to projects such as those on the Liverpool Plains, other than the operation of the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act, full responsibility for approval of mining has historically rested in the hands of state and territory governments. There has been a serious campaign in the Liverpool Plains area against BHP Billiton by a local community with respect to potential mining activity. We all appreciate that as a result of discussions BHP Billiton has now agreed not to mine on the plains and their mining licence has been adjusted on a voluntary basis to reflect that.

There is then an outstanding question about a potential examination of water related issues, which, as the member for New England would appreciate, I have been having discussions about with our Minister for Climate Change, Energy Efficiency and Water, Senator Penny Wong. I treat the request for such an investigation seriously. I remind the member that he asked the Prime Minister a question in the House about three or four weeks ago concerning this matter and that he was given an undertaking that I would visit the Liverpool Plains area for the purpose of having discussions with the member for New England with respect to these issues. At that time, I would also like to talk to him and the local community about the potential to undertake an independent water study.

It is not proposed at this stage that the Commonwealth government take over responsibilities for these matters. We all appreciate that on an ongoing basis these issues are going to get more and more difficult. It is something that is going to have to involve further state and territory and Commonwealth discussions as we go forward. But, with respect to the specifics of the Liverpool Plains, I am focused on that, as is the government, for good purposes.

In terms of the long-term bond rate, my department has not done modelling related to the tax proposal because that is the responsibility of the Treasury. He appreciates, as does the member for Groom, who has primary responsibility for modelling relating to tax issues. I can confirm, because it is in the public arena, that a number of companies, big and small, have raised with me the proposal with respect to the resource super profits tax and the interface with the long-term bond rate.

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