Media release – Tabatha Badger MP, Greens Mining Spokesperson, 28 August 2024
Liberal’s mining grants program referred to Auditor-General
On behalf of the Tasmanian Greens, today I have written to Auditor-General Martin Thompson to request he undertake a review of the Rockliff Government’s mining grants program, the Exploration Drilling Grant Initiative.
An analysis of information received under a recent RTI request has heightened our longstanding concerns with the program and prompted our request for a full review.
Key findings of our analysis include:
- The same companies are repeatedly receiving grants – 58% of grants awarded since the program commenced have gone to just 10 companies
- About one in every six dollars paid out under the program so far has gone to just one company
- 57% of grants were never acquitted
- Companies are frequently being awarded multiple grants for exploration in the same area – even when they did not previously acquit grants for work in that area
- Less than one in five grant applications have been refused
- Yunnan Tin, the world’s largest tin producing company, has been awarded five grants under the program
- Eligibility guidelines have been expanded in a manner that contradicts the original stated purpose of the grant program
Examining the information we’ve obtained, there are clear issues with how EDGI is being run. On the surface the scheme is not being managed appropriately, and Tasmanians deserve to know why.
It’s not normal for a grant program to repeatedly award grants to the same recipients – even the same projects. It’s also a worry to see this program have such low rates of applications being refused, while it has exceptionally high rates of grants that are not being acquitted.
There are some pretty big questions over whether this program is a good use of taxpayer funds. The world’s biggest tin producing company, who are making profits of hundreds of millions of dollars a year, does not need grants from the Tasmanian public purse.
Based on the evidence we’ve seen, it looks like the EDGI program is less about delivering on a real need, and more about political PR for the Rockliff Government.
It seems this is all about demonstrating to voters they are an active supporter of the mining industry – even if that support is possibly an unnecessary or ineffective use of taxpayer money.
Given the range of issues we’ve identified, we hope the Auditor-General will take a close look at the EDGI program. In the face of a rapidly worsening budget situation, it’s more crucial than ever that all public funds are being spent appropriately.
Media release – Eric Abetz, Minister for Business, Industry and Resources, 28 August 2024
The Greens’ anti-mining agenda – a threat to Tasmanian jobs and growth
The Tasmanian Greens have once again demonstrated their relentless opposition to one of Tasmania’s most vital industries.
Their latest attack on the Exploration Drilling Grant Initiative (EDGI) is nothing more than an attempt to undermine the thousands of local jobs that depend on our thriving mining sector.
The Greens has a long history of opposing anything that supports economic growth and job creation in Tasmania.
This latest stunt is just another example of their anti-everything agenda.
They ignore the fact that the EDGI program has been instrumental in driving mineral exploration, leading to potential new projects that could sustain and grow the Tasmanian economy for decades to come.
The program’s successes, such as the discovery of high-grade tin at North Scamander, prove its value in supporting the future of Tasmania’s mining industry.
It’s ironic that the Greens talk about wanting more revenue for essential services like health, housing, and education, yet they oppose the very industry that provides that revenue.
In 2023-24 alone, the mining sector generated $52.2 million in royalties, funds that are crucial for supporting these essential services.
Without ongoing investment in exploration and the development of new mines, this vital source of state revenue would dry up – leaving everyday Tasmanians to pick up the bill.
The Greens’ calls for additional state revenue from mining companies are hollow, when they simultaneously work to shut down the industry. Their actions are a direct threat to the confidence of investors, the future of the mining sector, and the livelihoods of thousands of Tasmanians.
As part of our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future, the Tasmanian Liberal Government is unwavering in its support for the mining industry.
We understand that a strong, vibrant mining sector is essential for the prosperity of our state. That’s why we will continue to back programs like EDGI, ensuring Tasmania remains a leader in mineral exploration and a key player in the global decarbonisation efforts.
The Tasmanian people deserve better than the Greens’ reckless agenda. We need to support and grow our industries, not tear them down.
