I AM extremely disappointed with the Liberal Party even considering the inquiry into the iron ore pricing.
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Firstly, it takes between five to seven years from when the board makes a decision to increase production and when it actually occurs due to getting finance approval, government approvals, design phase, procurement and construction.
It is not a tap which you just wake up in the morning and say let’s increase production today.
Secondly, the minerals industry has always been cyclic due to many factors such as existing mines closing, new larger scale mines coming on stream, political stability in other mineral producing countries and the variability of demand.
The typical cycle of mineral production is 7-10 years and after an abnormal high price period the price presently is going through a correction period.
Andrew Forrest should be fully aware of these factors.
The history of Andrew Forrest’s association with governments concerns me.
When I hear comments these days that Andrew Forrest and the government are making an announcement I wonder what is in it for Andrew Forrest.
Independent senator Nick Xenophon is a political opportunist who jumps on popular issues to get political mileage.
I have not noticed him propose any policy which addresses the ballooning government debt issue.
Think he should concentrate on the poor administration in South Australia. Why does South Australia which is rich in minerals plus energy wealth require approximately $1.40 of GST for every dollar of GST collected. This is in addition to the billions of dollars subsides for the car industry and construction of submarines.
Think it is about time the people of Victoria, NSW and WA stood up and asked Nick Xenophon why.
— JOHN WALKER,
North Wangaratta