COAL INDUSTRY AND RJB MINING

Early day motion 518, tabled 27 November 1997 by Robert Marshall-Andrews (Labour). Signed by 29 members.

That this House notes with concern that RJB Mining and/or Richard Budge have made an estimated ú200 million profit from the privatisation of the coal industry; notes that they have failed to make five year agreements with the electricity generators as other manufacturers have done; and are seeking a subsidy of ú30 million from the Government; further notes they have been the subject of a veto from the Australian Government covering their bid of ú50 million for a proportion of the Australian coal industry; calls upon the Government to reject further applications from RJB Mining or its associates or agents for licences or permissions for open cast agents for licences or permissions for open cast coal mining and to take whatever steps may be necessary to safeguard the jobs of 9,000 miners presently working for RJB Mining and/or Richard Budge; and condemns the previous government administration for placing those jobs in jeopardy.

Signatures by party: Labour 27, Labour/Co-operative 2.