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

In addition to our continuing fiscal discipline, the government is committed to ensuring that the minerals boom can deliver a proper dividend to all Australians. We understand that there are many Australians who do not feel they are sharing in the direct benefits of the mining boom. We also remember how many people from the resource rich states felt they had been left with little long-lasting benefit from the last boom.

The government's minerals resource rent tax is a historic economic reform that will spread the benefits of the mining boom to all Australians, no matter where they live and work. The benefits will include a $1 billion tax break for Australia's 2.7 million small-business operators and a boost in the super guarantee from nine per cent to 12 per cent for around 8.4 million workers—I understand that this became bipartisan today, so that is a good thing. Also, there will be $1 billion of investment in new roads, bridges and other critical infrastructure. Australians know how important the mining industry is, but they also know that they are our resources and we should share in the profits. (Time expired)