ESG

Liberal Party backs gold group

THE Gold Royalties Response Group has welcomed a move from the Western Australian Liberal Party to back a motion opposing any increase in the gold royalty rate.

Andrew Duffy
Liberal Party backs gold group

The motion, proposed by federal Liberal member for O'Connor, Rick Wilson, was passed by delegates at the WA Liberal Party conference over the weekend.

"The 25,000 men and women who work in the gold industry will appreciate this strong show of support from Liberal Party members," GRRG spokesman and Silver Lake Resources managing director Les Davis said.

"This is a clear recognition of the vital contribution our industry makes to the social and economic well-being of Western Australia."

Wilson's electorate covers the bulk of the WA gold industry, including Kalgoorlie-Boulder, Laverton and Leonora.

The motion is the latest in a string of positive responses to the GRRG's Heart of Gold campaign, launched last week at the Diggers & Dealers conference in Kalgoorlie.

Davis said the group had been overwhelmed by the response to the move.

"The Heart of Gold public awareness campaign highlights the critical role our industry plays in keeping WA strong," he said.

"Our industry contributes $A2.8 billion in wages and more than $300 million in taxes and royalties each year.

"We have been thrilled by the positive response we have received and we are keen to ensure that all Western Australians understand the importance of the gold industry."

The support from the Liberal Party follows backing from WA Opposition leader Mark McGowan, who recently declared the state Labor Party was also opposed to an increase in the gold royalty rate.

"It is very pleasing to have such positive expressions of support," Davis said.

"WA gold producers are already paying their fair share of taxes and royalties and operating in a tough and competitive environment.

"That's why we need every Western Australian to support our state's heart of gold."

While the motion is not binding for the Liberal Party, Wilson previously said if it was successful he would be pushing the issue with the Premier and Cabinet.

The GRRG was formed several years ago, and represents WA gold producers in response to the state government's mineral royalty review.

Current members of the group include Doray Minerals, Gold Fields, Northern Star Resources, Norton Gold Fields, Ramelius Resources, Regis Resources, Millennium Minerals, Silver Lake Resources, St Barbara and Phoenix Gold.

The government's review is examining the royalty structure for a number of mining sectors, including gold, and is set to be completed by the end of the year.

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