QRC welcomes new federal Resources Minister Madeleine King

Click here for photo of QRC Chief Executive Ian

Macfarlane.

The Queensland Resources Council (QRC) has welcomed the appointment of Madeleine King to the position of Minister for Resources and Minister for Northern Australia.

QRC Chief Executive Ian Macfarlane said Ms King’s background as a West Australian MP would be an asset, given her home state and Queensland are both powerhouse resources states for Australia.

“The Minister knows first-hand how important a high-performing, highly competitive resources sector is to the Australian economy and will have a deep understanding of the employment and business opportunities that flow on from that for the wider community,” he said.

“She will also understand how essential the ongoing strength of the resources sector is to Australia’s future, as we navigate the Covid recovery phase and the challenge of addressing emissions reductions.

“The QRC looks forward to welcoming the Minister to Queensland as soon as possible, and to working with her on key policy issues such as improving access to skilled workers, attracting new investment across Australia’s diverse commodity range and how the resources sector can support Australia’s energy security.”

Mr Macfarlane also praised former Resources and Water Minister Hon Keith Pitt for being a highly effective, accessible and well-respected leader of the resources portfolio.

“Keith Pitt did an outstanding job as Resources Minister and was very committed to promoting Queensland’s resources sector at every opportunity.

“He steered the portfolio through the difficult times of the Covid-19 pandemic and took a practical approach to ensuring the sector continued to operate safely and to the benefit of all Australians, even during uncertain times.

“I know I speak on behalf of Queensland’s resources industry to wish Keith well in Opposition and in his role as the member for Hinkler,” he said.

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