The Palaszczuk Government must immediately reaffirm its support for the resource industry and resource jobs, with a commitment for long-term royalty stability and a fair go for all projects, Queensland Resources Council (QRC) Chief Executive Ian Macfarlane said today.
Mr Macfarlane said the message was clear after Queenslanders across resource communities voted so overwhelmingly for the Federal Coalition Government’s pro-mining and pro-jobs agenda and record.
“Queenslanders have spoken and their message is clear. They support mining jobs and they expect their Governments to support them too,” Mr Macfarlane said.
“For the past 18 months, there have been too many mixed messages from the Palaszczuk Government when it comes to resources jobs.
The goal posts have been moved for projects like the Adani mine, and the Government has yet to rule out new royalty taxes on all coal mines, which would risk future projects and future jobs.
“Queenslanders don’t want a bet each way. They want a future that includes resources jobs and the resources investment that is so important to regional Queensland.
“They’ve got the backing of the South East corner too, including in Brisbane which is Queensland’s biggest mining town.
“You don’t need to work in a mine to depend on a strong resources industry. Our industry supports 315,000 Queenslanders into work, generates more than $60 billion for the economy and delivers 80% of the State’s exports. We also support more than 14,000 small businesses across the State, including across south-east Queensland,” he said.
“Prime Minister Scott Morrison and the LNP, particularly through Resources Minister Matt Canavan, were unequivocal in their support for the resources industry. Queenslanders responded to that. They voted for jobs.
“Prior to the election, Bob Brown and his convoy of cars drove around Queensland telling mine workers and people living in regional Queensland that they were wrong and that they should reskill. There was no defence of these Queenslanders from the Queensland Government.
“The fact is Queensland needs resources and renewables. We need to have a strong energy mix and we need to be able to give the world the resources they need to deliver their own energy mix.
“Prior to the Federal election, QRC, the CFMEU and the Resources Industry Network called for certainty from the Palaszczuk Government on royalties imposed on the mining industry as it was sapping confidence from the sector.
“The QRC will be seeking to meet as soon as possible with the Premier to discuss the long-term future of the resources sector.”
Mr Macfarlane said the QRC would continue to seek commitments from the Palaszczuk Government on:
• no changes to the rates of royalties on all resource commodities, including coal, to ensure future investment in proposed resource projects and jobs are not put at risk;
• assessment and approval processes of all projects based on science, free from political interference, and overseen by the Office of the Coordinator-General;
• confirmation the Government will oppose, as the Parliamentary Committee recommended, the Greens’ legislation prohibiting mining in the Galilee Basin in central Queensland;
• and genuine consultation with the QRC on any changes on policies or programs that will have material impact on the industry.
