Thursday, 29 May 2025

Questions without notice and ministers statements

Mineral resources

David DAVIS (Southern Metropolitan) (12:00): (933) My question is to the Treasurer. Last Friday the Allan Labor government gazetted plans for a big bad new tax on the mineral resources sector and the extractive industries sector through the announcement of a RIS proposing in its preferred model a 234 per cent increase in fees and charges for miners and extractive industries. I ask: how will a 234 per cent increase in charges on miners help expand mining in this state?

Jaclyn SYMES (Northern Victoria – Treasurer, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for Regional Development) (12:00): I thank Mr Davis for his question. At the outset I would reflect that this is a question that would be better directed to the minister for resources, because you have specifically asked for information in relation to the mining industry now and into the future. In relation to mining fees, we are consulting on proposed increases to fees paid by the mining and quarrying industries because it is accepted that we need to be looking at the correct settings, and I do not think that is actually disputed. The number of mineral licence applications has increased 2.5 times since 2018, and we want to see faster approvals and better service for industry, helping them reduce costs and get their resources to market quicker. The information that I have is that current fees only cover 36 per cent of the costs to provide the regulatory service to the industry. It is a good opportunity to have a dialogue with industry to ensure that we get the settings right to support that industry, particularly in relation to what we need in relation to the regulator services that they depend on.

David DAVIS (Southern Metropolitan) (12:02): I do not think the question was really answered as to how a 234 per cent increase will help. The nasty new tax is focused on a 234 per cent increase in fees and charges for extractive industries in Victoria, including quarrying, which provide rock, a critical input into concrete used in all types of construction and home building. Treasurer, will you explain to the house how jacking up the cost of construction in Victoria will make homes more affordable for young Victorians?

Jaclyn SYMES (Northern Victoria – Treasurer, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for Regional Development) (12:03): Mr Davis, I am not the minister for resources. I answered your question. To add to the comments that I made before, we are having a conversation with the industry about the right settings. This is not unique to Victoria. Cost recovery for regulators is a standard approach used across the board and around the world. For more information on the industry and the consultation with government I would be happy for you to direct your next question to the appropriate minister, and that would be Minister D’Ambrosio.

David Davis: On a point of order, President, it was a very simple question about how increasing charges on the extractive industry will help affordability for young people. The minister has not answered that at all.

The PRESIDENT: I think we have been through this before. The house does not deny your right to ask a question to any minister, but the minister has every right to reply that that particular topic is not within her remit and is within another minister’s remit.