The Premier defends his comments regarding iron ore export volumes, stating a company publicly boasted about a strategy to increase production and lower prices, which he believes is flawed. The Leader of the Opposition questions the Premier's stance on supporting foreign iron ore exporters.

AnsweredQoN 791Legislative Assembly
Asked
15 October 2014
Portfolio
Premier

QuestionView source ↗

IRON ORE EXPORT VOLUMES —
PREMIER'S COMMENTS
791. Mr M. McGOWAN to the Premier:
I have a supplementary question. How is it helping Western
Australia to attack our two biggest exporters and to support exporters of iron
ore from Brazil, Africa and Central Asia?

AnswerView source ↗

I do not think there are any from Africa. Bear in mind —
Mr M. McGowan interjected.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : The Leader of the Opposition can
answer his own question if he wants too.
The SPEAKER : Leader of the Opposition!
Mr C.J. BARNETT : Where did this issue first come from?
It was when the companies—or at least one of them—went out and
boasted about their strategy in the marketplace.
Mr B.S. Wyatt : You were there with him, smiling—remember.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : No, not Nammuldi.
The companies—or at least one of them—in the
last week or so, have gone out to investors and publicly boasted about their
strategy of increasing production and lowering price.
Several members interjected.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : Increasing production—I think
I am correct in that. I think it was reported. The company went out and boasted
about increasing —
Mr W.J. Johnston : That is not true. It is just not
true.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : It is true.
The SPEAKER : Member for Cannington!
Mr W.J. Johnston interjected.
The SPEAKER : Member for Cannington, I call you to
order for the first time.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : The Treasurer, a very knowledgeable
man, has just confirmed that what I said is true.
Several members interjected.
The SPEAKER : Members!
Mr C.J. BARNETT : Mr Speaker —
Mrs M.H. Roberts : That's
an independent source, isn't it?
Mr C.J. BARNETT : I knew it was true, but it was
reported. One of the companies went out and boasted to the investment community
that its strategy was to increase production, lower price and increase market
share by implication.
Mr W.J. Johnston interjected.
The SPEAKER : Member for
Cannington, I call you to order for the second time.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : The strategy
was to sell more iron ore, bring the price down and increase market share. I think
that is a flawed strategy. The company boasted about that; that is where the
debate began. When asked questions, first by the media and then in this house,
I answered them honestly and truthfully.

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