Fortescue's chief executive, Andrew Forrest has been demanding that the mining tax be taken off the table ever since it was announced. He has been one of the primary faces of the “axe the tax” campaign launched against the mining tax.
Atlas Iron’s chief executive David Flanagan has also welcomed the change of heart under Ms Gillard. He has also been a public face of the West Australian anti tax campaign. He is in no mood for a compromise and wants the tax to go for good.
The Association of Mining and Exploration Companies has demanded the immediate and complete withdrawal of the RSPT which it refers to as "this toxic tax". As a sign of good faith in the changed leadership it has suspended its provocative radio advertisements against the tax proposal.
Mr. Andrew Forrest said that while he was sad about the downfall of Mr. Kevin Rudd, he did not feel responsible for it. He blamed Treasury head Ken Henry for giving the Prime Minister very, very bad advice.