JAUSTHAt. 1Ac
PRONTE DIMSTER
FOR MEDIA 23 APRIL 1979
EXPORT CONTROLS
The Government has decided that it wil. l propose to the States
that a consulative mechanism be established between the
Commonwealth and State Governments on export controls. This was
decided in Cabinet discussions in Melbourne last week and confirmed
by Cabinet in Perth today.
Both the Commonwealth and State Governments have significant
interests in minerals. Hence it is important that Commonwealth
and State powers in this area be used in concert to maximise the
benefits from new initiatives and existing activity in major
resource developments.
There are differences of view between the Commonwealth and some
States about the extent to which the Commonwealth's powers
should be used. Th.' e discussions with State Governments, which I
hope can be held soon, should do much to resolve any outstanding
differences. There is no challenge either to the Commonwealth's constitutional
authority in export controls or that they should be exercised in
certain circumstances for there can be important national
interests at stake. From time to tire the Commonwealth's export
controls have been used to advantage at the request of State
Governments.
ContinuingCommonwealth/ State consultative arrangements, such
as proposed, require a sound basis of factual information and
knowledge of proposed developments if they are to work successfully.
The Government will also be talking to the States about the
extent of involvement of individual industry groups and companies.
There needs to be a total national-approach to any us . e of the
export powers.
The Government is not looking to-control all mineral exports.
Action has already been initiated to remove many mineral items
from export control.
The discussions with the States will explore all aspects of the
matter, fully and without prejudice, in the interests of ensuring
a genuine cosnideration of the bases of existing policies. Major
iron ore negotiations have recently been concluded and the exercise
2
of the guidelines is not now an immediate matter for the
iron ore industry. For other minerals, namely bauxite, alumina
and coal, the present guidelines will be maintained until
the discussions are concluded. The future exercise of the
Commonwealth's powers will depend on the outcome of these
discussions.