A Story of Infamy.

The July edition of "The Monthly" magazine has some particularly good and interesting articles. The article by Anthony Ham titled "The path of the serpent" is indeed a story of infamy.

The McArthur River Mine owned initially by Xstrata, that later became Glencore commenced operations in 1995. In 1992 Australia's High Court handed down its MABO decision. In late 1993 the Native Title was passed.

During these years , the Northern Territory government with approval of the Commonwealth government quietly passed the "McArthur River Project Agreement Ratification Act". This act, approved the mine regardless of any future legislation that might recognize native title. In itself the start of the infamy that was to follow to this day.

Apart from the fact that Glencore has paid little or no royalties, they found ways to avoid paying vast amounts of tax in Australia. Just another example of how successive governments have failed to act in the interest,of the nation.

Even now, if the mine were to cease operation, there is an impending disaster hanging over the operation from a waste-rock dump. Because of the scale of the mine "if there is a disaster, it won't just be a local disaster... it will be the largest environmental disaster in Australia"

Which ever political party was in government over the life of this mine, we the people, are left wanting from the actions of our parties. With a parliament of independent members elected by their individual electorates, we would not have to put up with these outrages decisions.

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