Australian openly criticises corruption in mining sector as Business Forum opens

Looks like Bradley is against all Australian mining from the article below.. I wonder what else he had on that was more important??

Australian openly criticises corruption in mining sector as Business Forum opens

Straight talking dominates today’s opening of the 11th Australia Solomon Islands Business Forum in Honiara with a top Australian business leader openly criticizing corruption in the mining sector here – in front of the Prime Minister, Manasseh Sogavare, who was the guest of honour at the opening.President of the Australia Pacific Islands Business Council Gary Clifford also could not hide his disappointment with country’s minister of mines Bradley Tovosia who snubbed their invitation to speak at the Forum.Speaking at the opening at Heritage Park Hotel, Clifford recalls that last year at the Forum they heard a sorry story on the challenges from companies trying to develop the Solomon Islands’ mineral resources in a manner which would really had a game changing effect on the country’s economy, the people here and preserve Solomon Islands’ pristine environment. “Unfortunately I have observed with sadness rather than that development being a catalyst for development— the situation has in fact become worst, regulatory process of issuing of various licenses and regulatory approvals in the resources sector have become sadly to say even more corruptive. Without some reform in the direction of improved integrity and efficiency in these processes reputable companies will be unable to – or even to start operating in the Solomon Islands.”He told the Forum that Australian companies that do business here are compliant with the laws of the land by paying their taxes – so as respect the labour the laws, respect Solomon Islands’ pristine environment and will work with Solomon Islanders to protect their priceless heritage in the land and sea.“Unfortunately in the last year we can see examples of what can happen with Solomon Islands’ pristine environment when government laws are cast aside by irresponsible practices aided unfortunately by poor governance. It is the highest level of importance that the SI Government enforces the laws with strength, transparency and justice in the interest of its entire people and not in the personal interest and the benefit of those that have power to issue permits and regulatory approvals,” said the Australian. On the snub of their invitation by Tovosia to speak at the Forum, Clifford said: “We did invite the minister of mines to speak at this forum about his vision on Solomon Islands’ resource sector but sadly he withdrew. We are deeply disappointed that he could not attend,” he said.Prime Minister Sogavare in his address acknowledges those concerns and says that his government is reviewing the Mines and Mineral Act in response to those challenges.He welcomes the comments from Clifford.The two-day forum, hosted by the Australia Pacific Islands Business Council (APIBC) and the Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI), brings together senior Australian and Solomon Islands business people and government representatives to be updated and discuss developments related to doing business in Solomon Islands.The 11th Australia-Solomon Islands Business Forum this year has the theme ‘Partnership for shared prosperity’.This year, delegates had the opportunity for a pre-forum visit to the Western Province from 7-10 September 2019.This optional part of the forum, enabled forum delegates to gain an understanding of business and economic developments planned and currently taking place in Western Solomon Islands at Munda and Noro. This visit utilised the recently commenced direct Brisbane to Munda service operated by Solomon Airlines.News@SBMOnline2019President Clifford speaking.PM Sogavare and SICCI Chairman Jay Bartlett listening to Clifford this morning.