Kevin Rudd (Griffith, Australian Labor Party, Prime Minister) Share this | Hansard source

I think the mining man of Australia award goes to the member for Dickson today, because the price that he bought at was $38.59 and today it is $39.12. Hear, hear, the member for Dickson! Here is a man who puts his confidence in the government’s policy—buys in and sees his share price go up. When we look at those opposite, actions always speak louder than words and, secondly, facts also triumph over fear. When it comes to facts and fear, let me draw this to your attention. On the question of Canadian mining stocks, Australian resources, since the 2 May introduction of the government’s tax proposal, have fallen one per cent; Canadian stocks have fallen two per cent.

So, can I say to the Leader of the Opposition, the Deputy Leader of the Opposition and the member for Dickson that we watch very carefully what those opposite do rather than what they say. We watched carefully what Clive Palmer did two days ago, when he initialled an agreement through his representative, in there with the Chinese—for a project of $5 billion to $6 billion, from memory. We also saw initialled, projects involving other Australian companies only two days ago.

Fact and fiction. Fact and fear. I just think we should always observe the behaviour of the member for Dickson. He is a bellwether in terms of what those opposite actually think is going on in the mining industry rather than what they say is going on in the mining industry.

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