❓ Mr. Wyatt questions the Premier regarding discussions with Fortescue Metals Group about deferring royalty payments. The Premier confirms discussions occurred but no agreement was reached, and such requests are not uncommon.
AnsweredQoN 648Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
FORTESCUE
METALS GROUP — ROYALTIES PAYMENT
648. Mr B.S. WYATT to the Premier:
Yesterday the Premier said in
respect of agreeing to defer a company's obligation to pay its
royalties to the people of Western Australia that the government would consider
such a request on merit.
(1) Has the
Premier or his office had any discussions with representatives of Fortescue
Metals Group to discuss such a proposal?
(2) Has the
Premier agreed to any deferment of the obligation to pay such royalties; and,
if so, what are the terms of the agreement?
(3) Under what
circumstances would the government consider allowing companies to defer their
obligation to make royalty payments?
METALS GROUP — ROYALTIES PAYMENT
648. Mr B.S. WYATT to the Premier:
Yesterday the Premier said in
respect of agreeing to defer a company's obligation to pay its
royalties to the people of Western Australia that the government would consider
such a request on merit.
(1) Has the
Premier or his office had any discussions with representatives of Fortescue
Metals Group to discuss such a proposal?
(2) Has the
Premier agreed to any deferment of the obligation to pay such royalties; and,
if so, what are the terms of the agreement?
(3) Under what
circumstances would the government consider allowing companies to defer their
obligation to make royalty payments?
AnswerView source ↗
(1)–(3) Yes,
I have had a discussion at the request of Fortescue Metals Group, and it put to
me its concerns. In particular, it was looking for some deferral. That has not
been agreed to by government. It falls primarily under the responsibility of
the mines portfolio. Companies are entitled to do that. It is not common but,
equally, it is not a rare occurrence for companies to seek some sort of relief
from royalties or a deferral of royalties. Fortescue made that approach. It
came to meet me a few days ago—I think probably late last week—and
that is it. But the government has made no agreement. We will consider any request,
as we do from any mining company.
I have had a discussion at the request of Fortescue Metals Group, and it put to
me its concerns. In particular, it was looking for some deferral. That has not
been agreed to by government. It falls primarily under the responsibility of
the mines portfolio. Companies are entitled to do that. It is not common but,
equally, it is not a rare occurrence for companies to seek some sort of relief
from royalties or a deferral of royalties. Fortescue made that approach. It
came to meet me a few days ago—I think probably late last week—and
that is it. But the government has made no agreement. We will consider any request,
as we do from any mining company.
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