❓ A parliamentary question regarding the potential takeover of Argyle Diamonds by De Beers and the implications for marketing arrangements and the State's interests, focusing on the Minister's role and approvals.
AnsweredQoN 256Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
(1) Is the minister’s consent necessary for a change in the marketing arrangements for Argyle Diamonds? (2) Is so, what approvals are required? (3) If successful in its takeover bid, is the minister’s consent necessary for De Beers to market its 40 per cent share of diamonds? (4) Has the minister had any discussions with De Beers concerning this issue? (5) Has the minister approved any changes to Argyle’s marketing arrangements; and, if so, why? (6) Is the minister aware that it is a precondition of De Beers’ bid that the existing independent marketing arrangements be dismantled, and does this pose any risk to the value of Argyle’s contribution to the State? (7) Has the minister considered seeking assurances from De Beers that would leave the current arrangements intact? Hon N.F. MOORE
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1) Yes. (2) Clause 6(6) of the Diamond (Argyle Diamond Mines Joint Venture) Agreement Act states that - If the Joint Venturers at any time during the continuance of this Agreement desire to significantly modify, expand or otherwise vary the approved marketing arrangements, they shall inform the Minister and submit their revised marketing arrangements for his approval pursuant to this Clause. (3) The minister’s consent is necessary to any change in the marketing arrangements. (4) The minister has had general discussions with De Beers concerning the state agreement Act provisions. (5) Yes, the current marketing arrangements are the result of a change approved by the Minister for Resources Development on 2 July 1996. (6) Yes, the minister is aware of the precondition; however, until he receives a proposal under the state agreement Act, he is not in a position to make any comment. (7) No.
(2) Is so, what approvals are required? (3) If successful in its takeover bid, is the minister’s consent necessary for De Beers to market its 40 per cent share of diamonds? (4) Has the minister had any discussions with De Beers concerning this issue? (5) Has the minister approved any changes to Argyle’s marketing arrangements; and, if so, why? (6) Is the minister aware that it is a precondition of De Beers’ bid that the existing independent marketing arrangements be dismantled, and does this pose any risk to the value of Argyle’s contribution to the State? (7) Has the minister considered seeking assurances from De Beers that would leave the current arrangements intact? Hon N.F. MOORE replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1) Yes. (2) Clause 6(6) of the Diamond (Argyle Diamond Mines Joint Venture) Agreement Act states that - If the Joint Venturers at any time during the continuance of this Agreement desire to significantly modify, expand or otherwise vary the approved marketing arrangements, they shall inform the Minister and submit their revised marketing arrangements for his approval pursuant to this Clause. (3) The minister’s consent is necessary to any change in the marketing arrangements. (4) The minister has had general discussions with De Beers concerning the state agreement Act provisions. (5) Yes, the current marketing arrangements are the result of a change approved by the Minister for Resources Development on 2 July 1996. (6) Yes, the minister is aware of the precondition; however, until he receives a proposal under the state agreement Act, he is not in a position to make any comment. (7) No.
(3) If successful in its takeover bid, is the minister’s consent necessary for De Beers to market its 40 per cent share of diamonds? (4) Has the minister had any discussions with De Beers concerning this issue? (5) Has the minister approved any changes to Argyle’s marketing arrangements; and, if so, why? (6) Is the minister aware that it is a precondition of De Beers’ bid that the existing independent marketing arrangements be dismantled, and does this pose any risk to the value of Argyle’s contribution to the State? (7) Has the minister considered seeking assurances from De Beers that would leave the current arrangements intact? Hon N.F. MOORE replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1) Yes. (2) Clause 6(6) of the Diamond (Argyle Diamond Mines Joint Venture) Agreement Act states that - If the Joint Venturers at any time during the continuance of this Agreement desire to significantly modify, expand or otherwise vary the approved marketing arrangements, they shall inform the Minister and submit their revised marketing arrangements for his approval pursuant to this Clause. (3) The minister’s consent is necessary to any change in the marketing arrangements. (4) The minister has had general discussions with De Beers concerning the state agreement Act provisions. (5) Yes, the current marketing arrangements are the result of a change approved by the Minister for Resources Development on 2 July 1996. (6) Yes, the minister is aware of the precondition; however, until he receives a proposal under the state agreement Act, he is not in a position to make any comment. (7) No.
(4) Has the minister had any discussions with De Beers concerning this issue? (5) Has the minister approved any changes to Argyle’s marketing arrangements; and, if so, why? (6) Is the minister aware that it is a precondition of De Beers’ bid that the existing independent marketing arrangements be dismantled, and does this pose any risk to the value of Argyle’s contribution to the State? (7) Has the minister considered seeking assurances from De Beers that would leave the current arrangements intact? Hon N.F. MOORE replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1) Yes. (2) Clause 6(6) of the Diamond (Argyle Diamond Mines Joint Venture) Agreement Act states that - If the Joint Venturers at any time during the continuance of this Agreement desire to significantly modify, expand or otherwise vary the approved marketing arrangements, they shall inform the Minister and submit their revised marketing arrangements for his approval pursuant to this Clause. (3) The minister’s consent is necessary to any change in the marketing arrangements. (4) The minister has had general discussions with De Beers concerning the state agreement Act provisions. (5) Yes, the current marketing arrangements are the result of a change approved by the Minister for Resources Development on 2 July 1996. (6) Yes, the minister is aware of the precondition; however, until he receives a proposal under the state agreement Act, he is not in a position to make any comment. (7) No.
(5) Has the minister approved any changes to Argyle’s marketing arrangements; and, if so, why? (6) Is the minister aware that it is a precondition of De Beers’ bid that the existing independent marketing arrangements be dismantled, and does this pose any risk to the value of Argyle’s contribution to the State? (7) Has the minister considered seeking assurances from De Beers that would leave the current arrangements intact? Hon N.F. MOORE replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1) Yes. (2) Clause 6(6) of the Diamond (Argyle Diamond Mines Joint Venture) Agreement Act states that - If the Joint Venturers at any time during the continuance of this Agreement desire to significantly modify, expand or otherwise vary the approved marketing arrangements, they shall inform the Minister and submit their revised marketing arrangements for his approval pursuant to this Clause. (3) The minister’s consent is necessary to any change in the marketing arrangements. (4) The minister has had general discussions with De Beers concerning the state agreement Act provisions. (5) Yes, the current marketing arrangements are the result of a change approved by the Minister for Resources Development on 2 July 1996. (6) Yes, the minister is aware of the precondition; however, until he receives a proposal under the state agreement Act, he is not in a position to make any comment. (7) No.
(6) Is the minister aware that it is a precondition of De Beers’ bid that the existing independent marketing arrangements be dismantled, and does this pose any risk to the value of Argyle’s contribution to the State? (7) Has the minister considered seeking assurances from De Beers that would leave the current arrangements intact? Hon N.F. MOORE replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1) Yes. (2) Clause 6(6) of the Diamond (Argyle Diamond Mines Joint Venture) Agreement Act states that - If the Joint Venturers at any time during the continuance of this Agreement desire to significantly modify, expand or otherwise vary the approved marketing arrangements, they shall inform the Minister and submit their revised marketing arrangements for his approval pursuant to this Clause. (3) The minister’s consent is necessary to any change in the marketing arrangements. (4) The minister has had general discussions with De Beers concerning the state agreement Act provisions. (5) Yes, the current marketing arrangements are the result of a change approved by the Minister for Resources Development on 2 July 1996. (6) Yes, the minister is aware of the precondition; however, until he receives a proposal under the state agreement Act, he is not in a position to make any comment. (7) No.
(7) Has the minister considered seeking assurances from De Beers that would leave the current arrangements intact? Hon N.F. MOORE replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1) Yes. (2) Clause 6(6) of the Diamond (Argyle Diamond Mines Joint Venture) Agreement Act states that - If the Joint Venturers at any time during the continuance of this Agreement desire to significantly modify, expand or otherwise vary the approved marketing arrangements, they shall inform the Minister and submit their revised marketing arrangements for his approval pursuant to this Clause. (3) The minister’s consent is necessary to any change in the marketing arrangements. (4) The minister has had general discussions with De Beers concerning the state agreement Act provisions. (5) Yes, the current marketing arrangements are the result of a change approved by the Minister for Resources Development on 2 July 1996. (6) Yes, the minister is aware of the precondition; however, until he receives a proposal under the state agreement Act, he is not in a position to make any comment. (7) No.
Hon N.F. MOORE replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1) Yes. (2) Clause 6(6) of the Diamond (Argyle Diamond Mines Joint Venture) Agreement Act states that - If the Joint Venturers at any time during the continuance of this Agreement desire to significantly modify, expand or otherwise vary the approved marketing arrangements, they shall inform the Minister and submit their revised marketing arrangements for his approval pursuant to this Clause. (3) The minister’s consent is necessary to any change in the marketing arrangements. (4) The minister has had general discussions with De Beers concerning the state agreement Act provisions. (5) Yes, the current marketing arrangements are the result of a change approved by the Minister for Resources Development on 2 July 1996. (6) Yes, the minister is aware of the precondition; however, until he receives a proposal under the state agreement Act, he is not in a position to make any comment. (7) No.
I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1) Yes. (2) Clause 6(6) of the Diamond (Argyle Diamond Mines Joint Venture) Agreement Act states that - If the Joint Venturers at any time during the continuance of this Agreement desire to significantly modify, expand or otherwise vary the approved marketing arrangements, they shall inform the Minister and submit their revised marketing arrangements for his approval pursuant to this Clause. (3) The minister’s consent is necessary to any change in the marketing arrangements. (4) The minister has had general discussions with De Beers concerning the state agreement Act provisions. (5) Yes, the current marketing arrangements are the result of a change approved by the Minister for Resources Development on 2 July 1996. (6) Yes, the minister is aware of the precondition; however, until he receives a proposal under the state agreement Act, he is not in a position to make any comment. (7) No.
(1) Yes. (2) Clause 6(6) of the Diamond (Argyle Diamond Mines Joint Venture) Agreement Act states that - If the Joint Venturers at any time during the continuance of this Agreement desire to significantly modify, expand or otherwise vary the approved marketing arrangements, they shall inform the Minister and submit their revised marketing arrangements for his approval pursuant to this Clause. (3) The minister’s consent is necessary to any change in the marketing arrangements. (4) The minister has had general discussions with De Beers concerning the state agreement Act provisions. (5) Yes, the current marketing arrangements are the result of a change approved by the Minister for Resources Development on 2 July 1996. (6) Yes, the minister is aware of the precondition; however, until he receives a proposal under the state agreement Act, he is not in a position to make any comment. (7) No.
(2) Clause 6(6) of the Diamond (Argyle Diamond Mines Joint Venture) Agreement Act states that - If the Joint Venturers at any time during the continuance of this Agreement desire to significantly modify, expand or otherwise vary the approved marketing arrangements, they shall inform the Minister and submit their revised marketing arrangements for his approval pursuant to this Clause. (3) The minister’s consent is necessary to any change in the marketing arrangements. (4) The minister has had general discussions with De Beers concerning the state agreement Act provisions. (5) Yes, the current marketing arrangements are the result of a change approved by the Minister for Resources Development on 2 July 1996. (6) Yes, the minister is aware of the precondition; however, until he receives a proposal under the state agreement Act, he is not in a position to make any comment. (7) No.
(4) The minister has had general discussions with De Beers concerning the state agreement Act provisions. (5) Yes, the current marketing arrangements are the result of a change approved by the Minister for Resources Development on 2 July 1996. (6) Yes, the minister is aware of the precondition; however, until he receives a proposal under the state agreement Act, he is not in a position to make any comment. (7) No.
(5) Yes, the current marketing arrangements are the result of a change approved by the Minister for Resources Development on 2 July 1996. (6) Yes, the minister is aware of the precondition; however, until he receives a proposal under the state agreement Act, he is not in a position to make any comment. (7) No.
(6) Yes, the minister is aware of the precondition; however, until he receives a proposal under the state agreement Act, he is not in a position to make any comment. (7) No.
(7) No.
(2) Is so, what approvals are required? (3) If successful in its takeover bid, is the minister’s consent necessary for De Beers to market its 40 per cent share of diamonds? (4) Has the minister had any discussions with De Beers concerning this issue? (5) Has the minister approved any changes to Argyle’s marketing arrangements; and, if so, why? (6) Is the minister aware that it is a precondition of De Beers’ bid that the existing independent marketing arrangements be dismantled, and does this pose any risk to the value of Argyle’s contribution to the State? (7) Has the minister considered seeking assurances from De Beers that would leave the current arrangements intact? Hon N.F. MOORE replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1) Yes. (2) Clause 6(6) of the Diamond (Argyle Diamond Mines Joint Venture) Agreement Act states that - If the Joint Venturers at any time during the continuance of this Agreement desire to significantly modify, expand or otherwise vary the approved marketing arrangements, they shall inform the Minister and submit their revised marketing arrangements for his approval pursuant to this Clause. (3) The minister’s consent is necessary to any change in the marketing arrangements. (4) The minister has had general discussions with De Beers concerning the state agreement Act provisions. (5) Yes, the current marketing arrangements are the result of a change approved by the Minister for Resources Development on 2 July 1996. (6) Yes, the minister is aware of the precondition; however, until he receives a proposal under the state agreement Act, he is not in a position to make any comment. (7) No.
(3) If successful in its takeover bid, is the minister’s consent necessary for De Beers to market its 40 per cent share of diamonds? (4) Has the minister had any discussions with De Beers concerning this issue? (5) Has the minister approved any changes to Argyle’s marketing arrangements; and, if so, why? (6) Is the minister aware that it is a precondition of De Beers’ bid that the existing independent marketing arrangements be dismantled, and does this pose any risk to the value of Argyle’s contribution to the State? (7) Has the minister considered seeking assurances from De Beers that would leave the current arrangements intact? Hon N.F. MOORE replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1) Yes. (2) Clause 6(6) of the Diamond (Argyle Diamond Mines Joint Venture) Agreement Act states that - If the Joint Venturers at any time during the continuance of this Agreement desire to significantly modify, expand or otherwise vary the approved marketing arrangements, they shall inform the Minister and submit their revised marketing arrangements for his approval pursuant to this Clause. (3) The minister’s consent is necessary to any change in the marketing arrangements. (4) The minister has had general discussions with De Beers concerning the state agreement Act provisions. (5) Yes, the current marketing arrangements are the result of a change approved by the Minister for Resources Development on 2 July 1996. (6) Yes, the minister is aware of the precondition; however, until he receives a proposal under the state agreement Act, he is not in a position to make any comment. (7) No.
(4) Has the minister had any discussions with De Beers concerning this issue? (5) Has the minister approved any changes to Argyle’s marketing arrangements; and, if so, why? (6) Is the minister aware that it is a precondition of De Beers’ bid that the existing independent marketing arrangements be dismantled, and does this pose any risk to the value of Argyle’s contribution to the State? (7) Has the minister considered seeking assurances from De Beers that would leave the current arrangements intact? Hon N.F. MOORE replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1) Yes. (2) Clause 6(6) of the Diamond (Argyle Diamond Mines Joint Venture) Agreement Act states that - If the Joint Venturers at any time during the continuance of this Agreement desire to significantly modify, expand or otherwise vary the approved marketing arrangements, they shall inform the Minister and submit their revised marketing arrangements for his approval pursuant to this Clause. (3) The minister’s consent is necessary to any change in the marketing arrangements. (4) The minister has had general discussions with De Beers concerning the state agreement Act provisions. (5) Yes, the current marketing arrangements are the result of a change approved by the Minister for Resources Development on 2 July 1996. (6) Yes, the minister is aware of the precondition; however, until he receives a proposal under the state agreement Act, he is not in a position to make any comment. (7) No.
(5) Has the minister approved any changes to Argyle’s marketing arrangements; and, if so, why? (6) Is the minister aware that it is a precondition of De Beers’ bid that the existing independent marketing arrangements be dismantled, and does this pose any risk to the value of Argyle’s contribution to the State? (7) Has the minister considered seeking assurances from De Beers that would leave the current arrangements intact? Hon N.F. MOORE replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1) Yes. (2) Clause 6(6) of the Diamond (Argyle Diamond Mines Joint Venture) Agreement Act states that - If the Joint Venturers at any time during the continuance of this Agreement desire to significantly modify, expand or otherwise vary the approved marketing arrangements, they shall inform the Minister and submit their revised marketing arrangements for his approval pursuant to this Clause. (3) The minister’s consent is necessary to any change in the marketing arrangements. (4) The minister has had general discussions with De Beers concerning the state agreement Act provisions. (5) Yes, the current marketing arrangements are the result of a change approved by the Minister for Resources Development on 2 July 1996. (6) Yes, the minister is aware of the precondition; however, until he receives a proposal under the state agreement Act, he is not in a position to make any comment. (7) No.
(6) Is the minister aware that it is a precondition of De Beers’ bid that the existing independent marketing arrangements be dismantled, and does this pose any risk to the value of Argyle’s contribution to the State? (7) Has the minister considered seeking assurances from De Beers that would leave the current arrangements intact? Hon N.F. MOORE replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1) Yes. (2) Clause 6(6) of the Diamond (Argyle Diamond Mines Joint Venture) Agreement Act states that - If the Joint Venturers at any time during the continuance of this Agreement desire to significantly modify, expand or otherwise vary the approved marketing arrangements, they shall inform the Minister and submit their revised marketing arrangements for his approval pursuant to this Clause. (3) The minister’s consent is necessary to any change in the marketing arrangements. (4) The minister has had general discussions with De Beers concerning the state agreement Act provisions. (5) Yes, the current marketing arrangements are the result of a change approved by the Minister for Resources Development on 2 July 1996. (6) Yes, the minister is aware of the precondition; however, until he receives a proposal under the state agreement Act, he is not in a position to make any comment. (7) No.
(7) Has the minister considered seeking assurances from De Beers that would leave the current arrangements intact? Hon N.F. MOORE replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1) Yes. (2) Clause 6(6) of the Diamond (Argyle Diamond Mines Joint Venture) Agreement Act states that - If the Joint Venturers at any time during the continuance of this Agreement desire to significantly modify, expand or otherwise vary the approved marketing arrangements, they shall inform the Minister and submit their revised marketing arrangements for his approval pursuant to this Clause. (3) The minister’s consent is necessary to any change in the marketing arrangements. (4) The minister has had general discussions with De Beers concerning the state agreement Act provisions. (5) Yes, the current marketing arrangements are the result of a change approved by the Minister for Resources Development on 2 July 1996. (6) Yes, the minister is aware of the precondition; however, until he receives a proposal under the state agreement Act, he is not in a position to make any comment. (7) No.
Hon N.F. MOORE replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1) Yes. (2) Clause 6(6) of the Diamond (Argyle Diamond Mines Joint Venture) Agreement Act states that - If the Joint Venturers at any time during the continuance of this Agreement desire to significantly modify, expand or otherwise vary the approved marketing arrangements, they shall inform the Minister and submit their revised marketing arrangements for his approval pursuant to this Clause. (3) The minister’s consent is necessary to any change in the marketing arrangements. (4) The minister has had general discussions with De Beers concerning the state agreement Act provisions. (5) Yes, the current marketing arrangements are the result of a change approved by the Minister for Resources Development on 2 July 1996. (6) Yes, the minister is aware of the precondition; however, until he receives a proposal under the state agreement Act, he is not in a position to make any comment. (7) No.
I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1) Yes. (2) Clause 6(6) of the Diamond (Argyle Diamond Mines Joint Venture) Agreement Act states that - If the Joint Venturers at any time during the continuance of this Agreement desire to significantly modify, expand or otherwise vary the approved marketing arrangements, they shall inform the Minister and submit their revised marketing arrangements for his approval pursuant to this Clause. (3) The minister’s consent is necessary to any change in the marketing arrangements. (4) The minister has had general discussions with De Beers concerning the state agreement Act provisions. (5) Yes, the current marketing arrangements are the result of a change approved by the Minister for Resources Development on 2 July 1996. (6) Yes, the minister is aware of the precondition; however, until he receives a proposal under the state agreement Act, he is not in a position to make any comment. (7) No.
(1) Yes. (2) Clause 6(6) of the Diamond (Argyle Diamond Mines Joint Venture) Agreement Act states that - If the Joint Venturers at any time during the continuance of this Agreement desire to significantly modify, expand or otherwise vary the approved marketing arrangements, they shall inform the Minister and submit their revised marketing arrangements for his approval pursuant to this Clause. (3) The minister’s consent is necessary to any change in the marketing arrangements. (4) The minister has had general discussions with De Beers concerning the state agreement Act provisions. (5) Yes, the current marketing arrangements are the result of a change approved by the Minister for Resources Development on 2 July 1996. (6) Yes, the minister is aware of the precondition; however, until he receives a proposal under the state agreement Act, he is not in a position to make any comment. (7) No.
(2) Clause 6(6) of the Diamond (Argyle Diamond Mines Joint Venture) Agreement Act states that - If the Joint Venturers at any time during the continuance of this Agreement desire to significantly modify, expand or otherwise vary the approved marketing arrangements, they shall inform the Minister and submit their revised marketing arrangements for his approval pursuant to this Clause. (3) The minister’s consent is necessary to any change in the marketing arrangements. (4) The minister has had general discussions with De Beers concerning the state agreement Act provisions. (5) Yes, the current marketing arrangements are the result of a change approved by the Minister for Resources Development on 2 July 1996. (6) Yes, the minister is aware of the precondition; however, until he receives a proposal under the state agreement Act, he is not in a position to make any comment. (7) No.
(4) The minister has had general discussions with De Beers concerning the state agreement Act provisions. (5) Yes, the current marketing arrangements are the result of a change approved by the Minister for Resources Development on 2 July 1996. (6) Yes, the minister is aware of the precondition; however, until he receives a proposal under the state agreement Act, he is not in a position to make any comment. (7) No.
(5) Yes, the current marketing arrangements are the result of a change approved by the Minister for Resources Development on 2 July 1996. (6) Yes, the minister is aware of the precondition; however, until he receives a proposal under the state agreement Act, he is not in a position to make any comment. (7) No.
(6) Yes, the minister is aware of the precondition; however, until he receives a proposal under the state agreement Act, he is not in a position to make any comment. (7) No.
(7) No.
Explore WA Government Data
Search the full archive in the free dashboard, or query programmatically via API.
Explore more
Government Gazette
Appointments, regulatory notices, planning changes.
Hansard
Debates, questions, speeches and sentiment.
Tabled Papers
Reports and documents tabled in Parliament.
Committees
Committee profiles and recent reports.
Regulations
Subsidiary legislation with filters and summaries.
Bills
Proposed laws and parliamentary progress.
Acts
Current WA legislation and summaries.
Explanatory Memoranda
Bills with EMs (text/PDF) available.
Members
MP profiles, party breakdown and rankings.
Pollie Rankings
Data-driven rankings across 19 categories.
Amendment Chains
Track how schemes and regulations evolve over time.