BOB Katter the Federal Member for Kennedy, is hopeful that today’s “innovation and technology” roundtable, will result in some real solutions to the current crisis in Mount Isa and broader issues with metal processing in Australia. "Minister Ayres is talking the talk. We now need him to walk the walk," said Mr Katter. "Mount Isa, indeed, Australia's economic future hangs in the balance. Metal processing is the backbone of our economic prosperity, particularly if we are to become more than the world's quarry." "We must have a national plan for processing our minerals onshore,” Mr Katter stated. "Government should immediately move legislation to provide for a thriving metal processing industry. " "This should include ‘Use it or Lose it’ legislation to stop stock traders sitting on our mineral reserves and a ‘Reserve Resource Policy’ to retain our resources for our use at a cheap price." "Bailing out greedy multinationals should be off the table, but government must take some responsibility to allow companies to not only survive but thrive. " “If we lose Mount Isa, we lose the backbone of North West Queensland. And make no mistake – talk won’t save it. Only action will,” said Mr Katter. ENDS

KENNEDY MP Bob Katter has paid an emotional tribute following the passing of Sir Leo Hielscher, describing the former Under Treasurer and architect of Queensland’s modern economy as a “giant of history” and “one of the greatest builders this state has ever known.” “Queensland’s greatest titan has fallen,” Mr Katter said. “Sir Leo Hielscher – and I use the word ‘Sir’ with absolute reverence – left behind a state that was forever changed by his courage, clarity and commitment to building something better for future generations” Mr Katter said that while many in public life are remembered for speeches or slogans, Sir Leo will be remembered for building ports, railways, power stations, and an entire industry base – and with it, the prosperity of Queensland. “When Leo entered government, Queensland was a net importer of coal. Eleven years later, we were the biggest coal-exporting state on Earth. He was the financial engine behind the infrastructure boom – 6,000 kilometres of rail, massive ports at Gladstone, Bowen and Mackay and major dams and power stations that fuelled the state’s growth.” Mr Katter stated. Sir Leo served as Under Treasurer for nearly three decades and was instrumental in the states industrial rise under Premier Joh Bjelke-Petersen. Mr Katter acknowledges both men as pivotal, noting their legacy should be recognised in a permanent way. “If we built statues in Queensland, then two giants deserve them – Joh Bjelke-Petersen and Sir Leo Hielscher. They were Titans of the economy. They didn’t just talk. They built” Mr Katter recalled the legendary story of Leo’s uncompromising economic vision when a major mining company approached the state government seeking to export raw bauxite. “Leo laughed in their face. He said: ‘We don’t export bauxite – we export aluminium.’ That set the stage for what became one of the world’s largest aluminium production hubs at Gladstone. He backed it with the cheapest power in the word, thanks to a 1,500-megawatt power station, government-owned, run on free coal, with negligible labour and debt costs.” Describing his youth, Mr Katter said he was one of many Queenslanders whose life was changed by the wave of prosperity that Sir Leo helped usher in. “Every Queenslander owes a significant debt to Sir Leo. Thank you for your service.” ENDS

"Let me be quite clear; we don't bail out foreign billionaires," Mr Katter stated. "Just down the road in Cloncurry, another copper mine, Ernest Henry, has recently announced record-breaking profits. Glencore was the former operator of this mine and got rid of it, claiming it wasn't profitable. That should give you a very clear picture of how incapable Glencore really is. "I have said it repeatedly, if Glencore cannot make the Mount Isa copper smelter work on their own, the government should step in; not to throw money at what appears to be 'spectacular mismanagement', but to take control of the asset. "This smelter is a vital piece of Australian industry, and government needs to act - swiftly and decisively," Mr Katter said. Government must immediately: (1) Reserve a portion of domestic production for domestic processing and manufacturing to ensure a national benefit, and (2) Implement 'use it or lose it' so that multi-national organisations can't sit on our mining assets to influence international stock markets. "We cannot compete with the Chinese when their governments build and own factories, provide subsidised power and don't require return on investment. Australia is already fighting an uphill battle; meanwhile, we are letting Glencore run riot and send our value offshore," Mr Katter warned. Mr Katter expressed confidence that the government was beginning to see the writing on the wall. "There is faith that this government will move to gain a stake in the copper smelter, not bail out the multi-national Glencore. If they want ownership partnerships, then it should come with government oversight, domestic processing guarantees and a binding commitment to Australian jobs. "It is an insult to all Australian taxpayers that a single cent of their money would be spent on a foreign-owned corporation that has recorded massive profits in other divisions while allowing for our critical infrastructure to wither and die. "A line in the sand must be drawn. Our assets must be retained for our benefit. Glencore can get with it or get out." ENDS