Federal opposition leader Tony Abbott used a visit to Brisbane today to sling mud at the Labor party’s super profits mining tax.

He called it a growing storm that will hit the Australian economy.

Annabelle Carter reports.

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TRANSCRIPT

The opposition leader swapped his bicycle helmet for a hard hat in Brisbane today, to speak at Australia’s largest privately owned quarry at Mount Cotton.

Mr Abbott described the Rudd government’s Resource Super Profits Tax as a dagger in the heart of the nation’s economy and said it would be the highest of any mining tax in the world.

He also said big mining companies wouldn’t be the only ones affected by the government’s plan.

Tony Abbott, Opposition Leader: “It’s a tax on dozens if not hundreds of small family-run businesses like this one, which are vital for Australians’ everyday life.”

The opposition leader also spoke at Australia’s premier energy conference at the Convention centre this morning, where his stance against the Federal government’s proposed tax was lauded by some.

Vox One: “I think he’s hit the nail on the head. I believe that the best resolution to this would be to erase the current government.”

And opposed by others.

Sharan Burrow, ACTU President: “You’re seeing these companies trying to bully Australia into thinking that this is not a good thing for the economy. This is a very good thing for the economy.”

Mr Abbott is garnering support from other quarters, with Malcolm Turnbull coming forward to endorse his three billion dollar climate change plan.

Tony Abbott, Opposition Leader: “I welcome Malcolm’s comments, he’s an important member of my team.”

Annabelle Carter, QUT News