Agree with what you say regarding potential assistance from NT government regarding Compass’s current plight.
The future of the NT state's workforce, community and business stakeholders would be far better served by the survival of this company rather than by its demise.
And such were the sentiments of Mines Minister Kon Vatskalis back on 28 August 2006 when he proudly announced the arrival of Compass in Darwin.
28 August 2006 "Compass Resources is a major player in the mining and exploration sector and they have committed to significant ongoing projects that stand to benefit all Territorians. With the Brown’s Oxide project steaming ahead, I am thrilled to welcome Compass Resources to Darwin".
Although now when things have got a bit tough and it hasn’t worked out as expected it seems he has taken the easy option and just dropped us like a hot rock, rather than fight for a company that will bring the very things he so proudly advocated Compass would provide back on 28 August 2006.
He says:
29 January 2009 "The Northern Territory Government will do everything possible to keep the workers of the Compass Mine at Batchelor in the Territory. Representatives of the Department of Business will liaise with the mine’s receivers to ensure all workers are made aware of other job opportunities in the Northern Territory. Minister for Business and Employment Kon Vatskalis said every effort will be made to link workers with employers who need their skills".
Hey Kon, what about doing everything possible to save the Compass Mine at Batchelor in the Territory?
Does this not achieve the same objective and more?
And what about those that invested vast sums into this mine in NT. Do you not feel any obligation to them and the state of NT to protect that investment?
Come on Kon lift your game. There is a lot at stake here. Stand up and fight for us.
