Windsor ultimatum before MRRT support

1 Nov 2011, 11:42 pm   -   Source: AAP

Rural independent MP Tony Windsor wants action on coal seam gas mining before he supports the federal government's mining tax.

Key crossbench MP Tony Windsor is holding true to his threat to try and sink the federal government's mining tax if it doesn't take further action to prevent damage from coal seam gas explorations.

"I'm not open to negotiation," he told ABC Television on Tuesday.

"I've made it plain that unless something is done ... then I won't be supporting the legislation."

The government plans to introduce 10 bills setting up its controversial mining resources rent tax (MRRT) into the parliament on Wednesday, aiming to tax the extraordinary profits of coal and iron ore miners from July, 2012.

But Mr Windsor said his support comes with strings.

"Some people have suggested that is a gun at the head of the government.

"(But) I suggested to those people they should go out and talk to the people who blockaded BHP for 621 days and see what a gun at the head actually means in terms of stress."

He was referring to a group of farmers who spent more than a year and a half barring the mining giant from entering and drilling at a property in Caroona, in his northwestern NSW electorate of New England.

Mr Windsor said ultimatums weren't his style, but it was imperative action is taken against companies that are ploughing ahead with projects and not listening to the community.

"I've decided enough's enough," he said.

But he also added that he was confident he will reach an agreement with the government, saying it recognised coal seam gas mining as a valid issue.

He is expected to sit down for further talks with the government on Wednesday.

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