Mathias Cormann (WA, Liberal Party, Minister for Finance) Share this | Hansard source

I do not ever expect the Greens or Senator Di Natale to understand this—but guess what? A strong mining industry is actually in our national interest. A strong mining industry helps to create jobs. A strong mining industry helps to create opportunities for people to earn a living.

I say to you that I completely reject the assertion that, somehow, there are concessions provided to the mining industry. The senator well knows that the fuel tax arrangements are effectively a road-user charge and that the mining industry, farmers and others get a rebate in relation to off-road fuel use. Why should you be paying a road-user charge in relation to fuel that is not used on roads? It is a very simple proposition.

We are focusing on building a stronger, more prosperous economy where everyone has the opportunity to get ahead. That includes a competitive taxation arrangement, where businesses across Australia can be successful, because we understand that only if businesses are successful across Australia will the country be successful.