PRESS DIGEST-Australian Business News - March 27

The resources industry in Queensland is seeking to meet with the incoming Liberal National Party (LNP) state government of Campbell Newman to clarify the stance of the new government on issues including a complete ban on mining in certain areas to safeguard strategic farm land. "We look forward to fresh eyes on the regulatory side and working with the LNP to create an efficient and effective regime," said Rick Wilkinson of the Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association. Page 21.

The government-owned Export Finance and Insurance Corporation was criticised heavily last month by the Productivity Commission (PC) for supporting multi-billion dollar projects in preference to assisting small and medium companies involved in export. Santos responded that implementing the PC recommendations would create "significant constraints" over the funding of its projects in the future and WorleyParsons chief executive John Grill said his company would be at a "competitive disadvantage." Page B5.

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