A Government Inquiry delving into how the mining sector supports regional businesses is set to take a range of issues to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC).
It follows the Innovation, Industry, Science and Resources Committee recently returning from public hearings in Port Hedland and Kalgoorlie, Western Australia where it heard evidence from major mining companies Rio Tinto, Fortescue Metals and Roy Hill, as well as from local councils, community groups, and businesses associated with the resources industry.
The Committee is now looking to discuss some of the issues raised by witnesses around the country with the ACCC.
“The Committee has heard reports of practices that are damaging small businesses in the regions. We want to hear from the ACCC to really get down to the heart of the matter and find out if any laws have been broken,” said Committee Chair, the Hon Barnaby Joyce.
As part of the inquiry, the Committee will deliver a report focusing on how Australia’s mining sector can support businesses in regional economies.
The inquiry was instigated by Minister for Resources and Northern Australia, Senator Matthew Canavan, who asked the committee to report on the important role industry plays in regional Australia.
It will also look at the barriers of increased business participation in the procurement of services by the mining sector, along with building skills and expertise of businesses to leverage opportunities in the mining sector.
Public hearings have also been held in Darwin, Rockhampton, Mackay and Tamworth, with a public hearing held in Canberra tomorrow (17 October).
Click here for more information, including terms of reference for the inquiry.
AMMA members seeking more information or looking to contribute to the inquiry should contact [email protected]
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