GG 45/11
19 September 2011
WA Federal Minister Gary Gray welcomed national polling released today showing that 54 per cent of West Australians support a minerals resource rent tax.
Mr Gray said the Per Capita research indicated that growing numbers of West Australians supported the principle of sharing the benefits of the success of the mining industry.
“According to the Per Capita Tax Survey, which asked 1300 Australians their views on personal tax contributions, there is a continuing desire for a better tax system,” Mr Gray said.
In the survey by Per Capita, people were asked: Do you agree with the Australia’s Government’s intention to place a Minerals Resource Rent Tax on the ‘super’ profits earned by mining companies?
Per Capital said that, surprisingly, the pattern of support by state was not as expected.
The research company said: “The conventional wisdom holds that opposition would be highest in the mining states of Queensland and Western Australia, but these states exhibit relatively high levels of support at 52 per cent and 54 per cent respectively, with 27 per cent and 38 per cent opposed. Conversely, Victoria, which one might expect to provide strong backing for an MRRT, is the only state where less than half of respondents support the idea (46 per cent).”
The research was carried out before the announcement of BHP Billiton's recent annual net profit of $22.46 billion, up 85.9 per cent on the previous year.
The revenue from the MRRT will support all Australian businesses, including those that aren't in the fast lane of the mining boom, through a cut to the corporate tax rate and substantial tax relief for the nation's 2.7 million small businesses.
It will also support the Regional Infrastructure Fund that will build roads, rail and other critical infrastructure. Australia's 8.4 million workers will benefit from a boost to the superannuation guarantee.
"In Western Australia alone, 200,000 small businesses will benefit from a $6,500 asset write-off,” Mr Gray said. "In addition, the government will invest substantial portions of the money in infrastructure, including $480 million for the Gateway project, which will deliver substantial productivity gains not just for the mining sector but the whole West Australian economy."| Media Contact: | Website: |
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| John Arthur - 0408 991 261 | www.smos.gov.au |