MRRT 'null and void' if Greens tinker

The federal government's compromise mining tax deal will be rendered "null and void"
by any intervention by the Greens, mining magnate Clive Palmer says.
Greens leader Bob Brown said on Wednesday he planned to ignore the government's
backdown on a resource super-profits tax (RSPT) and try to garner higher taxes from
mining corporations which he says should be investing in skills for workers.
After much heated debate with the mining industry, the Julia Gillard-led government
settled on a 30 per cent minerals resources rent tax (MRRT) rather than the 40 per
yielding RSPT.
Professor Palmer has demand the Labor government makes its preference deal with the
Greens for the August 21 election transparent.
"Just when the industry thought this issue was settled, the Labor Government and the
Greens have again shattered confidence in the best performing and most profitable
industry in Australia," he said in a statement.
He said increased taxation in the resource sector will destroy the Australian
economy, overseas investment and jobs.
"It defies explanation as why the Greens want to cripple this country and attack an
industry which successfully kept Australia from recession," he said.
He said the mining tax will be a key consideration on election day.
"If people want the country to remain on a positive track, don't vote for the Greens
or Labor," Prof Palmer, a major donor to the Queensland Liberal National Party,
said.