Big Barry opens his last Diggers Conference

THE CONFERENCE CALLER: As usual the Diggers & Dealers Conference was opened by charismatic chairman Barry Eldridge.

Eldridge informed the gathered throng this is to be his last year in the position and though he may be vacating big chair he let all know he wasn’t going quietly.

Governments, particularly in recent years, have borne the brunt of Eldridge’s vexation and he didn’t disappoint those of us who enjoy a good bit of bureaucratic bashing.

 

Barry Eldrige delivers his final Diggers & Dealers opening address

 

“In the past three years, part of my opening comments have been to add our voice to the broader resources community in defending our industries (sic) contribution to the Australian economy and to express dismay at the constant attacks we experienced by the previous Government,” he told a full opening morning auditorium.

“We have a new Government and twelve months in, we, I think are encouraged by the representations that Australia is again open for business and that he resources sector no longer seems to dominate the headlines accused of raping and pillaging the Nation’s economic resources.”

Although his feelings for past Governments is fairly plain, Eldridge ensured he delivered a message to the incumbent administration warning them that they too are on notice.

More than ever Australia needs a robust resources industry,” he said.

“While we have a more friendly Government, we do need to continue to hold this Government to account.”

He pointed out the current Government has been hamstrung in its attempts to implement change quickly by the actions of the minor political parties, which he described to be, “narrow minded politicians who remain committed to acting as though the resources industry is an enemy of Australia”, and who should, “just get out of the way and let us get on with developing our Nation’s resource assets.”

Another administration to cop an Eldridge backhander was the Western Australia State Liberal Government, which has made noises in regards to raising the state’s gold royalty payments.

“”We do have a continuing situation where governments do continue to consider that the resources sector is an untapped source of revenue that can be used to fill Government coffers when money is needed,” he observed.

“”I am not sure when they will get the message; margins are tight in this industry.

“It is an industry that requires constant capital injections to maintain productivity, exploration expenditures to replenish mined resources and substantial fluctuations in commodity prices and currency rates mean that this sector needs to be allowed to operate without additional burdens such as extra taxes.”

Eldridge ensured he closed on a positive note – pointing out some of the achievements the industry has been able to celebrate highlighting the opening of the Tropicana gold mine as an example.

“You will hear 46 successful investment stories over the next three days,” he promised his audience.

The optimistic feeling streaming through the big tent this morning gives some hope Eldridges prediction could be on the money.

Diggers & Dealers 2014 has been opened – let the games begin.