Federal Resources Minister Resources Matt Canavan has blasted engineering company Aurecon for its ‘weak as piss’ move to break ties with Adani.

The mining sector needed to shun and shame companies like Aurecon who were clearly only fair weather friends, Senator Canavan said.

He said the company was treating people like mugs with its explanations for the move, which comes after pressure from climate activists who have been targeting Adani contractors.

Senator Canavan made the comments during the Global Maintenance Upper Spencer Gulf Conference in Adelaide. 

“Aurecon today say they are making the decision for reasons of ‘sustainability’,” he said.

“But if that is the case why are they only withdrawing services from Adani, including not helping them build a solar farm here in Whyalla? And they are apparently still providing services to the coal industry.

“Don’t treat us like mugs. Aurecon aren’t making the decision because they are concerned about the environment, they are doing it because they are letting a few bullies who blockade their office dictate what they do.

“Basically they are a bunch of bedwetters and I don’t know how anyone who works for Aurecon can hold their head up high with any kind of pride after such a weak willed decision. “

Aurecon yesterday was not providing any further comment on the issue beyond the short statement announcing its plans to cease work for the Adani-leased Abbot Point export terminal following the completion of its current phase of work. (More HERE)

Stand up for the resources sector – QRC

The Queensland Resources Council (QRC) said it was disappointing to see reports that Aurecon would end its business relationship with Adani based on ill-informed bullying from anti-resources activists.

QRC chief executive Ian Macfarlane implored all businesses and CEOs to stand up to defend the opportunities in the resources sector.

“The resources sector is one of Queensland’s biggest employers. It supports more than 315,000 jobs, and over 262,000 of those jobs are in associated businesses and industries,” he said.

“The majority of those supporting jobs are in regional Queensland.

“So it’s disappointing to see any business give in to bullying tactics from activists, many of who are acting illegally to disrupt lives and businesses.”

An Adani spokeswoman said the concerted campaign by extremists against the Carmichael coal project and businesses that partnered with the company had not succeeded – with construction well and truly underway.

“We have repeatedly demonstrated that we will not be intimidated or deterred from delivering on our promises to Queenslanders, Australians and the people in developing nations who desperately need affordable energy to help lift them out of poverty,” she said.