swann on lateline, page-11

Thanks Thorburn for at least having a go.
My point is that the best placed people to know what the mining prices are going to do are the miners.

They conceded the extra tax (rightfully getting as good a deal as they could) knowing full well that they were going to be able to afford it. Why because they know the prices will continue to remain comparatively high.

Alternatively you could put a Machiavellian spin on it, by saying the Miners negotiated the deal believing that Labor would get re-elected, but then knowing the prices would slump, a revenue shortfall would occur, followed by a budget disaster thereby ensuring Libs get elected in 2013 or so and then they will repeal the tax. (But that would be as fanciful as blindly dismissing Treasury updates as just lies)

PS Pilbara funding is to enable increased production (330mta)