selfish argument for rspt, page-6

"BHP or Rio did not complain about the GST"

Ruud did though, bitterly;

He said;
"When the history of this Parliament, this nation and this century is written, 30 June, 1999, will be recorded as a day of fundamental injustice - an injustice which is real, an injustice which is not simply conjured up by the fleeting rhetoric of politicians. It will be recorded as the day when the social compact that has governed this nation for the last 100 years was torn up."

But that point aside, its unfortunate that a lot of the miners are all lumped together without any consideration of the huge differences.

Eg. BHP and RIO are huge multinationals. But Andrew Forrest is one individual Australian who had a dream that he built from scratch to reality in just six years.

Gina Rinehart inherited much, but I suspect that if you asked her, she would say that her father's genes are her most valuable asset. Plenty of people have inherited wealth, and then blown it. She has built on it and employed thousands as a result, and paid millions in taxes for the benefit of those that can't work. They live well because of her.

After a few weeks here following the HC political site, my overall impression is one of abject ignorance on the part of many of the people who are opposed to the miners, who they blame for just about everything.

Many just enjoy teasing others, I know that, and it can be a challenge, even fun. But I must admit that the low level of understanding of the mining industry in Australia is sad. We are very lucky to live in a country where we can unmercifully criticise the industry that is the basis of our high living standard.

We'll be alright, Jack....