The Liberal National Party tonight moved to ban 100 per cent fly-in, fly-out workforces during the construction phase of resource projects across the state.
LNP Deputy Leader and Shadow State Development Minister Deb Frecklington said this was about giving regional Queenslanders a fair go and opportunities to apply for jobs in Queensland’s resources industry.
“Annastacia Palaszczuk blocked the LNP’s amendments backing local workers despite many councils and unions supporting the change,” Ms Frecklington said.
“We’ve been listening to regional communities who just want a fair go, and have given them a voice – a voice that has been silenced under Annastacia Palaszczuk and Labor.
“Labor remains the only Government to approve 100 per cent FIFO mines in Queensland.
“Only the LNP has had a consistent policy to oppose 100 per cent FIFO mines in Queensland."
Ms Frecklington said the LNP moved two amendments to Labor’s botched Strong and Sustainable Resources Bill after the concerns of regional communities in mining regions across the state were ignored.
“The LNP amendments would have mandated that resource companies must consult with local communities within the local government area through the Social Impact Assessment process,” she said.
“Currently there is no obligation for resource companies to do this under Labor’s proposal, and this is something we believe is unacceptable.
“The LNP’s amendments also address a number of the concerns* that Labor has ignored through the Committee process.
“Only the LNP understands the importance of enduring partnerships between regional communities and resource companies, and will build a better Queensland.”
*A number of regional councils put in submissions to the parliamentary committee – that were ignored - that raised concerns the LNP will address through its amendments. Those submissions can be found here.
