Miners and mining tax

Mining union delegates from across NSW passed two important resolutions relating to the politically hot issues of mining tax and climate change in Cessnock.

National President Tony Maher, who introduced the resolutions, said the CFMEU would be keeping a watchful eye on the new Mineral Resources Rent Tax (MRRT) to track where the revenue ends up.

"$6.5 billion of MRRT revenue has been earmarked for Regional Infrastructure Funds," he said.

"The mining companies will argue that money should be spent on economic infrastructure like ports and rail lines to improve the efficiency of mines - but they can afford to pay for that themselves.

"The sort of infrastructure we need built is social infrastructure: roads, schools, community housing and other big ticket items desperately required in mining towns.

"Our mining towns have been neglected by big mining companies and the Regional Infrastructure Fund should be a way of making them put something back."

The delegates meeting also passed a unanimous resolution recommitting the union to its long-held stance on climate change.

Northern District President Peter Jordan noted that the CFMEU had been vindicated in adopting a long-sighted view on climate change.

"Under Tony Maher's leadership our Union showed real foresight in leading the debate on climate change and arguing strongly for early action to protect the interests of our members and the nation," he said.

"Years on we are now seeing CEOs like BHP's Marius Klopppers picking up the CFMEU line and running with it. It's gratifying that we have beat the path for others to follow."