Big news from the AFR:
Mr Hockey met with a small group mining industry figures on March 30, including representatives from Australia’s biggest miners and the Minerals Council of Australia.
While the main topic of the private meeting was tax reform and policy, The Australian Financial Review understands from multiple sources that Mr Hockey said there was “no way” he would allow a Glencore takeover of Rio “on my watch”.
Mr Hockey’s office declined to comment on what it described as a private meeting, but it is understood that Mr Hockey is concerned by the possibility Rio – one of the nation’s biggest taxpayers – could fall into foreign hands.
Too right, Treasurer, and well done. That puts a nail into the GlenRio coffin.
Next test: don’t let Chinese interests occupy Fortescue.
