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NEWS
Johnston handed WA
mines portfolio
West Australian Pre- New WA Mines Minister Bill Johnston has confirmed previously approved uranium projects
mier Mark McGow- will be able to proceed
an announced a change
to his Cabinet in an at- McGowan said in a statement. of Mineral and Exploration Companies
tempt to avoid a potential “Once Cabinet was made aware of the (AMEC) congratulated Johnston on his
conflict of interest within
the Mines and Petroleum potential conflict it soon became clear appointment.
portfolio. that managing the AMEC chief executive Simon Benni-
Bill Johnston will take
on the portfolio, after it
was revealed first choice
Peter Tinley had a rela-
tive working in the oil and
gas industry.
Tinley will assume the
housing portfolio from
Johnston and retain the
veteran issues and youth
portfolios.
“This is a responsible
change to State Cabinet to ensure minis-
ters can do their job without any conflicts,
potential or perceived,†Premier Mark
issue would be too son said Johnston’s eight years as the
complex, given the shadow minister for mines and petrole-
portfolio responsi- um gave him a grounding of key issues
bilities and there- facing the mining industry.
fore the matter was “The Minister will need to prioritise
dealt with at the ear- reducing the cost of doing business in
liest opportunity,†Western Australia, lifting investment and
McGowan said. promoting growth in mineral exploration
“Although the to discover the mines of tomorrow,†Ben-
conflict could have nison said.
been managed in “The Minister must urgently repeal
an appropriate man- Mining Regulation 28A, a discriminatory
ner, I have made the regulation that provides the State with a
decision to put the mechanism to charge a ‘rental’ of 25c/t
issue beyond any of iron ore obtained from a mining lease
doubt. The change after 15 years of operation.
reflects WA Labor’s “The Minister must reinvigorate the
commitment to run- reform of environmental regulation and
ning a transparent clarify WA Labor’s policy approach to ap-
and accountable proved uranium projects in WA to provide
government.†certainty to the sector’s investors.â€
“The Association
The Minister will need to
prioritise reducing the cost of
doing business in Western Australia,
lifting investment and promoting
growth in mineral exploration to
discover the mines of tomorrow.
PAGE 6 APRIL 2017 AUSTRALIA’S PAYDIRT
