Here is the AAP report on the AF/Rudd meeting just ended. I can only print the report. There may be some light at the end of the tunnel, and how 'just' would it be if Andrew Forrest was the one to lead us out of the wilderness.
By Cortlan Bennett PERTH, June 10 AAP - Mining magnate Andrew Forrest says Prime Minister Kevin Rudd finally understands the full brunt of the government's proposed resources tax on the Australian economy. Speaking to reporters after meeting with Mr Rudd in Perth on Thursday, the Fortescue Metals Group boss said the threat to jobs and the economy was "very real" and the mining industry wasn't bluffing in opposing it. "I'm grateful to the prime minister for giving me a full and proper hearing, so that he understands clearly, from the horse's mouth, that there is no bluff, no fear campaign - we literally cannot employ at least 30,000 Australians if this tax were to go ahead," Mr Forrest said. "I have a very real concern for the future of our company and the 30,000 workers which, under this tax, we can't employ. "The prime minster (now) knows a great deal more about Fortescue, knows that when we said there were 30,000 jobs on the line, he understands why that is and why that number is a conservative number." Mr Forrest said although no agreement had been reached during their meeting, Mr Rudd was at least now listening to the industry. "From my perspective, we have much more wood to chop," Mr Forrest said. "He was open, convivial and the discussions were detailed. "He's open to a process, and let's give that a chance. "I know that the tax in its current form cannot work and I'm now working with the prime minister to do the best we can for this country. "I have a prime minister who is listening and who has entered into a process." Mr Forrest had earlier said he was "certain" there would be a High Court challenge if the 40 per cent resources super profits tax became legislation. West Australian Attorney General Christian Porter is reportedly considering whether the tax is unconstitutional and could be challenged in the High Court. "I know for sure there will be a High Court challenge if this stupid theoretical tax were to proceed," Mr Forrest said before his meeting with Mr Rudd. Mr Rudd said he was confident the tax was constitutional. "The Commonwealth advises we're fortified in our constitutional position in that regard," he told ABC Radio on Thursday. Mr Forrest said he "didn't have an axe to grind with the prime minister, but I certainly would never hold a candle for (Treasury secretary) Ken Henry". AAP csb/ldj/ht
