AREEA has paid tribute to Warren Truss, Andrew Robb and Ian Macfarlane following separate announcements over the past week that they will not contest this year’s federal election.
AREEA chief executive Steve Knott said the three leading political figures have all made a valuable contribution to the resource industry and to the nation.
Warren Truss
Mr Knott said Mr Truss has delivered wide ranging and consistent leadership for the Australian people both as the member for Wide Bay, and across ministerial and shadow ministerial portfolios encompassing infrastructure, transport, trade, regions, agriculture, border protection and community services.
“Mr Truss has delivered a significant foundation for the ongoing growth and success of the Australian resource industry, particularly through his work to improve productive infrastructure, deliver more effective logistics, and open up new international trade opportunities,” he said.
“His legacy of achievements provides important foundations for Australia’s successful resources production and exports, and will do so long into the future.”
Mr Truss has now moved to the backbench, replaced by Barnaby Joyce as Nationals leader and new Deputy Prime Minister.
Andrew Robb
AREEA shares the Prime Minister’s assessment that Andrew Robb has been the most successful trade minister in Australia’s history.
“The China, Japan and South Korea free trade agreements secured under his leadership and relentless hard work have opened up significant new opportunities for Australia’s resources producers to satisfy the commodity demands of a rising middle class in Asia,” Mr Knott said.
“The recent signing of the Transpacific Partnership – encompassing 12 nations accounting for 40% of global GDP – is another great milestone in Mr Robb’s distinguished parliamentary career which will further promote investment in Australia’s resource sector and open doors for local exporters.”
Mr Knott also congratulated Mr Robb on his leadership and advocacy on mental illness, which has played an important role building awareness throughout the resource industry and broader community.
Ian Macfarlane
Mr Knott congratulated Ian Macfarlane on his outstanding 18-year career in federal politics and the enormous contribution he has made to the development of the resource industry under two governments.
“Ian’s leadership, commitment and support contributed significantly to the success of Australia’s resource industry under both the Howard and Abbott governments,” he said.
“Throughout an extensive political career he has demonstrated a deep understanding of what it takes to support the resource industry in creating employment and economic benefits for all Australians.
“Most recently as former Minister for Industry, Ian played a key role in cutting excessive red tape, regulation and the mining tax, while introducing valuable incentives to kick-start new exploration activity.”
