FRAN BAILEY VISITS MEMBER’S QUARRY

Mary Thompson, CMPA Treasurer, Tylden Quarries

On April 14th, Fran Bailey, MP Federal Member for McEwen and Minister for Small Business & Tourism attended a site visit to Tylden Quarries based out of Tylden, near Kyneton.

Fran Bailey attended the site visit following a personal invitation by Ms Mary Thompson, Director of Tylden Quarries, to visit Ms Thompson’s site, and to discuss issues presently being faced by the industry as a whole.

Key issues that were raised by Ms Thompson on behalf of the CMPA included:

1. Occupational Health and Safety, and more particularly the benefits of a national system of direction, and the extreme financial and intellectual restrictions being placed upon businesses
2. Education: Members’ businesses financial and obligatory outcomes are clearly linked to the concept of vocational training within the business’ entity with improving the workforce’s skills being the only long term solution available
3. Environmental concerns: Members are committed to environmental best practices but require federal direction that is defined as a national plan with outcomes being regularly reviewed, and which are clear and defined
4. Rehabilitation Bonds: Tax offsets and federal guidance on a national approach to rehabilitation
5. National Exposure Standards for Crystalline Silica: The CMPA is deeply concerned that NOHSC, and even the industry representatives, did not wish to recognise financial obligations required to be taken up by private capital owners in addressing the new compliance requirements to best practice
6. Depreciation/Life of assets: The CMPA was appreciative of the involvement and recognition in the process, but that the outcomes in the end with respect to life of assets within the extractive industry sector will be a cost that will be an everlasting impediment to the acquisition of new crushing equipment for most family businesses
7. Native Title and Artefacts Legislation
8. Native Vegetation Legislation

In addition to these points, Ms Thompson raised the issues of unfair dismissal legislation, Telstra, the federal diesel rebate scheme, and Native Title Legislation.

This meeting is but one of many that the CMPA is regularly involved in to ensure that a proactive and beneficial dialogue is occurring between the Association, its Members, and the local, state and federal parliamentarians who represent all members of the extractive industry.

If you are able to organise a meeting with your local member on site or at their offices, please feel free to call the Association’s Secretariat on (03) 9745 2132 or via email to enquiries@cmpavic.asn.au to have a briefing paper prepared for the Member’s information.

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