Obviously this has a negative impact since it is additional unexpected cost. But it was only a matter of time before the Australian government tried to get in on the aussie mining boom. Of course, if there wasn't the positive of a mining boom, we wouldn't have to deal with bad news like this.

Has anyone been following Buffett at the Berkshire annual meeting? He feels strongly that currencies all over the world will lose value. The thing is...he didn't say outright against what. As long as we hold on to hard assets, we should be in a good position. I'm sure he meant they will lose value against anyting with REAL value (aka precious metals and natural resources). The aussie dollar should also do well compared to other currencies since they're in a much better position economically.