Australian mining tycoons claim credit for kicking out Prime Minister Kevin Rudd

MINING tycoons have claimed much of the credit for Kevin Rudd's downfall, saying the industry-led opposition to the resources tax was the main reason for the leadership coup.

As Julia Gillard yesterday opened the doors to negotiating with miners, the billionaires Andrew Forrest and Clive Palmer said the tax was a crucial factor in Mr Rudd's departure.

The comments came as the industry suspended its multibillion-dollar anti-tax advertising blitz, and pledged to enter negotiations with the government in good faith.

Mr Palmer, a vocal opponent of the tax, said the proposed levy explained ''90 to 95 per cent'' of Mr Rudd's demise, because soon after it was introduced, Mr Rudd's popularity had plunged.

''That would indicate that something has happened in that eight-week period to change peoples' point of view. That something, I think, was the resource tax and the campaign against it,'' Mr Palmer said.

Mr Forrest, the founder of Fortescue Metals Group, said the mining industry was not alone in having brought about Mr Rudd's downfall. The architect of the resource super profits tax, the Treasury secretary, Ken Henry, bore heavy responsibility, he said. He had provided poor advice to the government.

''I feel that if anyone has blood on his hands over Kevin Rudd's demise, it's Ken Henry,'' Mr Forrest said.

[link to www.smh.com.au]