Chris Evans (WA, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Government in the Senate) Share this | Hansard source

I am pleased to inform the Senate that, despite cries to the contrary, the resource sector is both strong and growing. This is clearly demonstrated by a massive pipeline of investments and record profits being reported by a number of resource companies. There is clear evidence that these taxation reforms have not had a negative impact on the sector. Investment is strong, exploration is strong and confidence is robust. Indeed, investment in resource projects now stands at a staggering $132 billion and the sector continues to enjoy very strong profit results, with a $25 billion profit recorded in the September quarter. It is only right that all Australians benefit from this record investment and profit in the resources sector, and that is what these reforms will achieve.