BHP — IRON ORE
ROYALTY PAYMENTS
400. Hon JACQUI BOYDELL to the Leader of the House
representing the Premier:
This question was originally to the
Treasurer but I believe it has been redirected to the Premier. It is C425.
I refer to the article titled ''No
Budget boost from BHP'' in The Weekend West dated 4 May
this year.
(1) Can the
Premier confirm that talks have not been able to proceed with BHP about unpaid
royalties, and negotiations remain at an impasse?
(2) Will the Premier
table a list of meeting dates and correspondence that have taken place so far
between the relevant ministries and BHP regarding royalties owed?
(3) Will the
government follow the precedent set with the Perth Children's Hospital
case and reserve funds to pursue legal action against BHP?
(4) Considering
that John Holland is pursuing $300 million in damages, and BHP owes the state
$300 million in royalties—apparently—would it be expected that
an amount similar to the $5 million in the war chest fund would be reserved for
any potential litigation with BHP?
Hon SUE
ELLERY replied:
I thank the honourable member for
some notice of the question.
At
this time, it is not appropriate to comment on these matters, as they are
currently being considered by the State Solicitor's Office.