QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

Senator McDONALD (Queensland—Deputy Leader of the Nationals in the Senate) (14:33): My question is to the Minister representing the Prime Minister, Senator Wong. Last week, the Western Australian premier warned that the government's proposed capital gains tax changes would discourage exploration and investment in our mining industry, which is essential for developing major projects.

Does the government agree with the Western Australian premier that its decision will deter investment, reduce exploration activity and undermine the discovery of future critical minerals deposits vital to Western Australia and, indeed, Australia's economic prosperity?