More than two-thirds of WA's business managers and leaders don't support the introduction of the Resource Super Profits Tax (RSPT) and believe that it will have a significantly negative impact on employment in the mining industry, according to a new State survey.
More than 1600 Members responded to the Australian Institute of Management Western Australia (AIMWA) survey this week.
The survey revealed that more than half the respondents believed the new tax would impact negatively on their own organisation, while 39% said there would be no direct impact from the tax on their business or workplace.
"Almost all respondents (97%) indicated they have a good understanding of the RSPT," according to AIMWA Executive Director Patrick Cullen.
"And they were roughly split on the notion that the new tax will lead to a more equitable distribution of wealth across all of Australia, (52% don't believe this will happen - the rest either partially or fully believing this is achievable)."
Mr Cullen said a significant number of participants believed the new tax was cutting in too early.
"In regards to the profit threshold level if the RSPT was introduced, 42% of respondents believed the rate should be imposed at the upper limit - at a 10% rate and higher, with a fifth of them choosing the 15% level," Mr Cullen said
"The response to the survey confirms that the Resource Super Profits Tax continues to be a contentious issue and that a large number of WA leaders and managers have serious concerns about its potential impact," Mr Cullen said.
"This was demonstrated by the very strong response to the survey from very senior leaders and managers across a broad section of the West Australian private and public sectors."
