Leading gas producer Santos welcomed comments by Julia Gillard about RSPT negotiations, while Queensland mining billionaire Clive Palmer called on the new prime minister to formally abandon the controversial proposal.

A Santos spokesman said, ''We welcome the new prime minister's commitment to negotiate openly with companies impacted by the government's proposed RSPT.''

''Santos has participated in the government's consultation process since the new tax was announced but remains concerned about its potential impact on existing projects and new investment.''

Ms Gillard pledged in her first press conference as parliamentary leader that she would throw the doors open to the mining sector. According to her, the federal government would negotiate with the mining sector over the proposed RSPT, not just consult it.

Mr Palmer, a Liberal Party donor, still had concerns that Mr Swan, one of the architects of the RSPT proposal, had been chosen as deputy leader.

''You have got to ask yourself, 'is there a real change or is this being done for cosmetic reasons to dupe the people?''' he said.

Mr Palmer believed Ms Gillard's comments on the tax proposal since being elected prime minister had not gone far enough and that her comments are nothing new.

''She is basically saying the words of the previous prime minister,'' he said.

According to him, there was no question about negotiations, because he did not agree to the principle that mining should be taxed more heavily than other industries.

''I would call on her (Ms Gillard) to make a clear statement that there will be no resources rent tax so that the industry can get back to providing Australians with jobs.''