CANBERRA created a ''disease'' when the government launched a new tax on mining profits, and that disease had spread around the world, according to a prominent goldmining executive.

Perseus Mining managing director Mark Calderwood's comments follow Indonesia's recent rule change on mine ownership and his own company's battles with rising taxes in Ghana.

Perseus Mining managing director Mark Calderwood has said 'this disease that started in Canberra is spreading... so you will see more and more of it around the world'.

While Australia's mining tax, which is due to begin in July, does not affect goldminers, Mr Calderwood said Australia had to take some responsibility for the broader trend.

''This disease that started in Canberra is spreading … so you will see more and more of it around the world,'' he said. ''The new political risk is around taxes and royalties rather than security of tenure.''