Australian gov't proposed mining tax labeled "economic terrorism" by miners

The chairman of the Diggers and Dealers mining forum on Monday labeled the Australian government's proposed mining tax "economic terrorism".

Barry Eldridge has opened the usually apolitical conference in the West Australian city of Kalgoorlie with a scathing attack on the government's plan.

He has told the forum he does not trust the Labor Party and has urged people to vote Liberal.

It is the first time the annual mining forum has been held in the lead up to a federal election.

The Association of Mining and Exploration Companies (AMEC) restarted its advertising campaign against the tax last week.

AMEC's chief executive Simon Bennison said the issue should be a priority for all Australian mining companies.

"This should be at the forefront of all companies because if they think that the minerals resources rent tax as it stands is going to stay in its current format following the Argus committee and the Senate having a go at the draft legislation, then I really just would be staggered."

The 2,000 guests at Diggers and Dealers include the deputy opposition leader Julie Bishop and Fortescue Metals Group boss Andrew Forrest.

Source: Xinhua