Attorney-General Michelle Rowland insists government is not targeting mining sector despite exclusion from summit invite list

Sky News AU

2 days ago

Attorney-General Michelle Rowland has dismissed speculation the Albanese government is planning to increase taxes on the mining sector.
Attorney-General Michelle Rowland has dismissed speculation the Albanese government is planning to increase taxes on the mining sector.
Ms Rowland told Sky News Sunday Agenda the government was 'not looking at this' when asked about the possibility of increasing taxes on the mining industry.
It comes after resource companies raised the alarm over their exclusion from the 24-member invite list to the Treasurer's upcoming summit.
There have been concerns that a tax on resources could be used to fund broader tax reform at the government's upcoming productivity roundtable.
'I think the fact that the productivity roundtable is being held demonstrates that, led by the most able Treasurer, we have a broad agenda for reform,' Ms Rowland said.
'There are people who would like to be personally invited to this — there is only so much capacity that can be done in this particular environment.
'This is an ongoing dialogue that the Treasurer and the entire economic team and the government have been having with industry to examine ways in which we can increase our productivity.' — National Press Club (@PressClubAust) July 18, 2025
The mining sector has expressed concerns the government could use the roundtable to build momentum for new or increased taxes on the sector.
The sector's nerves were heightened after former treasury secretary Ken Henry floated a $50 billion-a-year fossil fuel export tax.
Mr Henry warned that cuts to corporate tax were difficult to justify without higher contributions from highly profitable miners.
Billionaire Andrew Forrest's Fortescue Metals Group has separately proposed a cap on the diesel fuel rebate for big miners.
Resources Minister Madeleine King recently told mining representatives that existing rebate arrangements were 'appropriate' and did not disincentivise decarbonisation.
Treasurer Jim Chalmers has downplayed concerns over the invite list, saying the roundtable will be supplemented by further consultations.
'While we can't invite representatives from every industry or organisation, everyone has the chance to have their say in this process with online submissions still open,' he said.
While major miners were not on the initial 24-person invite list, the Business Council of Australia — whose members include BHP, Rio Tinto and Woodside — has been invited.