<< Which is pretty much what you're asking the miners to do, take the risks, in the assumption they will make large profits… >>

Isn’t that the way of it with all businesses? Or at least many businesses in a much broader field than just mining?

This is the nature of the commercial world. But governments should even it out and strive to make sure that it is NOT the nature of the our society and that the tax bases and all the activity that results from it is kept on a much more even keel.

<< …a HUGE portion of that large profit is threatened via a tax… >>

Rehctub, it would only be a ‘huge’ portion if the profits were huge… in which case the relevant companies would be riding high and would not be too put out by it.

I really can’t see how the MRRT would significantly affect business confidence or risk-taking, especially when you consider it in amongst all the other variables that affect company decisions. If mining companies are saying this, I think they are being a little bit less than totally honest.

No I’ve never owned a business. I was a ranger, botanist and principle scientist in the Qld public service. Now in ‘temporary retirement!’ Oh, and I worked in the mines in the early 80s as a geologist’s assistant cum assistant geologist.

What on earth has me owning a business or not got to do with accountability??

<< …if we remove mining from our economic situation, there really isn't much less… >>

Much left, I presume that should be.

Well, rechtub, all the more reason why we the ordinary people should be getting a better return from our primary resources while the going is good.

<< So just what is it that makes you think that the tax is fair, considering the taxes they already pay and generate both directly and indirectly? >>

The principle that the more you earn, the higher the percentage of tax you should pay, on a sliding scale. And the notion that for a few to make humungus profits from public-owned resources is a little bit obscene. And the country really does need a big boost to its tax base, of which the MRRT is but a minuscule part.

Crikey, all the MRRT is is a very small rebalancing of the wealth distribution gained from mining. In fact, it is more a matter of principle than a meaningful gain for the Australian public.

I can’t really understand the opposition to it from anyone, other than the vested-interest miners themselves, who are always out to maximise their profits.

Ludwig, name another sector that pays royalties, pays taxes, generates enormous externally generated taxes, all after taking huge risks, then is told they can only earn a 12% return on investment, before paying ANOTHER 40 cents tax IN EVERY DOLLAR THERE AFTER.

Simple answer, there are none!

As for my question on business ownership, I asked that because I was curious as to whether you had actually created any jobs, risked your house for the sake of your job, or were directly financially accountable for your actions, other than the risk of loosing your job.

Now as you have not, it is quite understandable why you come from where you do with regards to your logic.

It also explains why you don't understand, nor appreciate the environment that business owners have been forced to endure, due to the imcompitence displayed by this government.

Now while I enjoy debating issues with you, i think it is best that we agree to disagree on the mining tax.

Cheers

<< Now as you have not, it is quite understandable why you come from where you do with regards to your logic.>>

Rehctub, I think this statement says more about you than me.

My employment history has got very little to do with my philosophical outlook.

What about yours? You’ve been a butcher and a businessman all your working life, yes? Always thinking about how you can maximise your returns above all else?

Perhaps I could say that this is why you can’t appreciate my desire for a better wealth-distribution – a more socialistic form of democracy if you like, and why you can’t appreciate my copious posts about sustainability??

Anyway, we will beg to differ on this issue.

And yes I do enjoy discussing this stuff with you and I thank you for your cool-headed debating style.