The Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Workers' Union or CFMEU, Australia's premier union in construction, forestry and forest products, mining and energy production, on Tuesday its support to the resources tax which is expected to be included in the recommendations in the Henry tax review.

CFMEU head Tony Maher said company making billions out of exploiting resources are opposed to the tax and are resorting to a scare campaign to push their agenda. But he said the resources tax would provide funds to improve infrastructure and a sustainable resource industry.

He said the opportunity to push for the passage of the tax measure should not be wasted, and added, "The Government should resist the scare campaign being run by mining companies... they are making squillions [sic] from the boom. According to Ken Henry, the boom will continue for possibly three decades."

Maher said the projected boom is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to develop the country's infrastructure and to improve the mining communities.

"You could do both of those things and the mining companies should be obliged to pay an extra tax. They are our resources, they are not theirs," he said.

He dismissed fears that the tax would force union members out of work. The union official that rumor is "absolutely not true," describing it as just a scare campaign.

According to Maher, the tax would target the super profits being enjoyed by big corporations which generate income beyond a normal or generous rate of return.

"The oil and gas industry in this country... is booming and the mining industry will continue to boom. They should share some of the billions they are making with the community."