Crook invites key crossbencher to visit regional WA

Author: Tony Crook
Published on: 26-August-2011

Nationals WA Federal Member for O’Connor Tony Crook MP will bring key crossbench MP, Andrew Wilkie to Western Australia during the Parliamentary recess.

Mr Crook said the itinerary would include tours of mine-sites in the Goldfields and the Pilbara.

“These regional areas are vital to the economic prosperity of our state and our nation, and I believe the visit will give Mr Wilkie a great insight into our State.”

The visit has been facilitated with the assistance of the Association of Mining and Exploration Companies (AMEC).

“As the peak body for mineral exploration and mining companies in Australia, this visit will create a positive opportunity for AMEC to represent the interests of their stakeholders in relation to the Minerals Resource Rent Tax.”

Mr Crook said he will also be highlighting the concerns of regional Western Australian’s around the Carbon Tax during the course of the visit.

“The Carbon Tax and the Mining Tax will heavily impact WA – and regional WA in particular.

“As a member of the crossbench, Mr Wilkie holds a pivotal voice in Federal Parliament. I welcome the opportunity to give Mr Wilkie a first-hand look at life in regional WA, and highlight to him the impacts a Carbon Tax and Mining Tax will have on the regions.”

Mr Wilkie said he looked forward to visiting regional WA.

“Tony is keen for me to hear first-hand from representatives of the mining industry about the proposed Minerals Resource Rent Tax and other issues,” Mr Wilkie said.

“I’m particularly interested to hear the views of the smaller mining companies that were cut out of some of the negotiations for the Resources Super Profits Tax and later the MRRT.

Mr Crook said he will also lobby Mr Wilkie to support his Private Members Motion to establish a floor on GST relativities.

“Establishing a GST floor has the full support of the Nationals WA. The Premier and the Leader of the Opposition in WA have also indicated support for a GST floor.

“I hope after visiting these regional communities, Mr Wilkie will be able to appreciate how vital it is that we secure a better deal for WA.”

Mr Crook thanked AMEC CEO Simon Bennison and National Policy Manager Graham Short for assistance in arranging the visit.

See this article on the member's website