The Queensland Resources Council (QRC) today called for tougher penalties for protestors who break the law and disrupt the lawful activities of mining companies.
QRC Chief Executive Ian Macfarlane said people have the right to go to work without facing constant harassment, or having their livelihood or personal safety threatened by people with a political agenda.
He said it was unacceptable that recent illegal activist behaviour had compromised the workplace health and safety of industry workers.
“Dangerous activity by activists has gone to a whole new level recently and must be stopped before someone gets seriously hurt,” Mr Macfarlane said.
“It’s only a matter of time before protesters, like those targeting Bravus’ operations in Central Queensland, are injured or killed or cause harm to others as a result of their irresponsible behaviour.
“Mine sites can potentially be very dangerous places, which is why we have such strict workplace health and safety regulations in place.
“Every one of our employees and visitors to site are expected to follow these strict rules, and yet we have protesters coming onto mine sites who don’t think the law applies to them.”
Mr Macfarlane said the average Queenslander would be shocked by the behaviour of activist protestors and what industry employees and police officers are being subjected to on a regular basis.
“This level of harassment, intimidation and disruption to business should not be tolerated on any work site or in any business or industry,” he said.
“The QRC is urging legal authorities to use the full force of the law to impose penalties on protesters who break the law, including sending them to jail them as is being done in NSW, because their dangerous behaviour is placing the lives of law-abiding citizens at risk.”
