Mining entrepreneur and Australia’s richest person, Gina Rinehart told The Daily Telegraph – which has been running an informative series on the topic and is committed to airing both sides of the argument – that the rush to curb greenhouse emissions without proper costing could imperil family farmers and cost taxpayers “billions in subsidies”. The precautionary principle demands that we know what the cost of buckling to the climate catastrophists at the UN’s Glasgow COP26 gabfest will be before we make any pledges.

“We are concerned rushing to reduce emissions will cost the taxpayers billions in subsidies,” Rinehart told the ’Tiser. “And it doesn’t just stop with the farmers having this problem; city people will find that the cost of their food will have to increase – not a good future for pensioners and others on low incomes especially.”

AUSTRALIA’S richest woman, Gina Rinehart, is warning that rushing to reduce greenhouse emissions without proper costings could imperil family farmers and cost taxpayers “billions in subsidies”. The mining and pastoral tycoon has outlined her particular concern that family farmers who have endured years of drought, bushfires and Covid-19 do not have spare cash, so cannot afford to invest to change to renewable energy. Mrs Rinehart said costings should be the first priority and urged the Federal Government to “stand firm” until these had been properly assessed and made public.

If we don’t agree, we should encourage debate, not censor and stifle. The truth is that only weak ideas need such protection. Curious, open minds will pave the way for a wonderful existence. Those who are afraid to challenge and be challenged, will only ever live a half life.

Tad Watroba describes himself as ‘the most fortunate mining engineer there is’. After more than 45 years in the business, his drive and passion are as fierce today as when he began his first job down a mine after graduating in 1973 from Krakow’s AGH University of Science and Technology, then known as the University of Mining and Metallurgy.

Based on the evidence, there is little reason to suggest that polar bears are on the path to extinction. Polar bears have survived for thousands of years, during both colder and warmer periods, and their populations are by and large in good shape. Polar bears suffer many threats, but global warming is not one of them. The main threats are tourists, bureaucrats and hunters.

“Agriculture, mining, small businesses, investment and defence are the keys to our nation and our future,” Rinehart observes. “We need our government to stop making decisions influenced by the media of the moment and instead act to make the bold decisions our country needs.” Focusing on the need to eliminate red and green tape, Rinehart reveals her Roy Hill iron ore mine was forced to comply with 4000 pieces of regulation before construction could begin – yes, 4000. The mining billionaire also takes a powerful stand in support of our veterans, slamming their treatment at the hands of government, and showing displeasure at the handling of war crimes allegations. “Given all the serious challenges we face as a country, it was shocking for many good Australians to see the Defence Department order our military to divert to holding rainbow teas and to strip 3000 of our most highly trained military personnel of their medals,” Rinehart writes.

Editorial cartoon by Dean Alston courtesy of the West Australian.