The Queensland Resources Council (QRC) has welcomed action from the Palaszczuk Government to introduce new laws to tackle the use of dangerous devices which are undermining community safety during protest action.
QRC Chief Executive Ian Macfarlane said the new laws which will make it an offence to use attachment devices that lock on to, or block, infrastructure such as rail lines will be an important step in preventing a tragic outcome as the result of reckless tactics from activists.
“We’ve seen too many near misses in recent cases of activists deploying dangerous devices on rail lines and at ports,” Mr Macfarlane said.
“QRC supports the right of every Queenslander to protest peacefully. But by locking on to rail lines or blocking trains, activists clearly cross the line and become a danger to themselves, a danger to the safety of train drivers and a menace to the wellbeing of the entire community.
“The resources sector prioritises safety. It is because the industry upholds the highest safety standards and employs highly-trained workers that so far tragedy has been averted despite the extreme actions of activists.
“It is unacceptable to allow this type of risk to resources sector workers and the emergency workers who respond to activist disruptions. We welcome the introduction of these laws. We will review the legislation and look forward to providing constructive feedback to the Queensland Parliament about any other steps that may be needed to cover the full range of tactics activists are using to delay and disrupt lawful businesses.
“We believe the Government’s Bill will ensure the full array of infrastructure is covered and we will be seeking assurances that loading facilities at our ports are covered. The Opposition already has proposed laws before the Parliament through the Criminal Code (Trespass Offences) Amendment Bill.
“We believe it is in the interests and safety of Queenslanders that the Government and the Opposition’s proposals are dealt with and police have these powers by the end of the year. It is important that the Parliament sends a bipartisan message to activists that their dangerous tactics have gone too far.”
