NSW Minerals Council welcomes new Industry Minister Macfarlane

‘The return of Ian Macfarlane as Minister for Industry with responsibility for energy and resources is great news for NSW mining and the economy more generally,” NSW Minerals Council CEO, Stephen Galilee said today.

“Ian Macfarlane is highly respected across the resources sector. He understands the importance of mining and recognises the investment, jobs and growth it creates for our state.” 

‘As Resources Minister from 2001 to 2007 he was instrumental in delivering many of the taxation and regulatory reforms that set up the prolonged period of mining investment that followed, helping Australia to withstand the impact of the GFC,’ Mr Galilee said.

“Aligning the industrial, energy and resources sectors back into a single portfolio is a positive step. There are many important regulatory and economic issues common to these sectors. There are also great opportunities in more closely coordinating resources, energy, and industry policy, including in research and development, innovation and manufacturing,’ Mr Galilee said.

“We look forward to working with Mr Macfarlane and the new federal Coalition Government as they implement a new approach to mining, and policies to strengthen the mining sector in NSW.’ 

‘With the right policy settings, we can continue to deliver the investment, jobs and growth needed to underpin the NSW economy and the nation for generations to come,” Mr Galilee said.

Contact: Lindsay Hermes lhermes@nswmining.com.au or 0409758734