mining tax laws pass senate

How good is that!
Chalk up another win for PM Gillard.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-03-19/mining-tax-passes-senate/3899952

Mining tax laws pass Senate
The Federal Government's mining tax legislation has passed the Senate and will soon become law.

The tax gives the Federal Government an estimated $10 billion war chest to win over small- and medium-sized businesses before the next election.

The new tax will take effect from the middle of the year.

Federal Treasurer Wayne Swan said on his Twitter account the legislation was a "huge economic reform of our time".

"[It] will help us deliver more super savings for 8.4m ppl, tax breaks for 2.7m small businesses and a company tax cut," he tweeted.

"We all own Australia's resources, so it's only fair we all share the benefits."

The legislation passed the Upper House despite repeated attempts by the Coalition to delay the final vote.

The Opposition has maintained the tax will drive away investment and damage the mining industry, and has also accused the Government and Greens of rushing the tax through the Senate