Australia’s first legislation banning 100 per cent fly-in fly-out (FIFO) workforces at large resource projects will be retained after a review confirmed its benefits for communities across Queensland.
Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development Steven Miles said the review found Queensland’s Strong and Sustainable Resource Communities Act 2017 (SSRC Act) is on track to create more local jobs and economic growth for our regional communities.
“The Palaszczuk Government is the first, and only, government in Australia with legislation aimed at ensuring regional communities benefit from nearby large resource projects,” Mr Miles said.
“The review focused on assessing the key elements of the Act – prohibition of 100 per cent FIFO workforces and fair job access for locals,” Mr Miles said.
“It found the legislative ban on 100 per cent FIFO workforces has so far been successfully applied to 71 large resource projects,
“Stakeholders have reported that positive benefits are already flowing to local communities thanks to the 100 per cent FIFO prohibition and there have been no complaints of employment discrimination.
Minister for Resources Scott Stewart said the review was based on extensive engagement with stakeholders directly affected by the Act, including the resource industry, local government, peak industry bodies, unions, local businesses, service providers and state government agencies.
“A key part of Queensland’s economic recovery is creating and protecting jobs in regional Queensland,” Mr Stewart said.
“The legislation commenced in March 2018 and we committed to reviewing its effectiveness within three years of its implementation to make sure the Act is benefitting Queensland communities as intended.
“There are now 297 communities protected by the legislation.
“As part of the review, stakeholders reported the Act sets out a clear legislative framework and does not impose significant costs on the resource industry.”
Mr Miles said the Queensland Government endorsed the review’s recommendation to retain the Act.
It also welcomed recommendations for a further assessment of longer-term community benefits after more large resource projects complete the enhanced social impact assessment process and have been operating for at least one year.
