QRC opens new front in coal royalties battle

The Queensland Resources Council has fired a new volley in its battle against the State's coal royalty tax regime, this time enlisting what it describes as everyday Queenslanders. QRC chief executive officer Janette Hewson said the 'Everyday Queenslanders' advertisements would demonstrate the impact on regional and rural communities of sudden increases in tax rates. Treasurer Cameron Dick bit back: “Without progressive coal royalties, there could be no $1000 power bill rebates for Everyday Queenslanders.” The QRC campaign - shown in footage below - will run through until the State election on October 26. “Up until now, the Keep Queensland Competitive campaign has focused on the facts and figures – showing how suddenly introducing the world’s highest royalties has led to billions of dollars of projects being cancelled or postponed,” Ms Hewson said. QRC chief executive officer Janette Hewson. “Now we are handing the microphone to the everyday Queenslanders who are feeling the effects of those cancellations in their businesses and jobs. “These are retail workers, publicans, farmers, trucking business owners, fencers, electrical engineers, admin officers and apprentices. They come from across regional parts of the state, including Clermont, Mackay, Charters Towers and Moranbah. “They all rely on a strong and confident resources sector to help their local businesses thrive and to secure their local jobs. And their message is simple: they want politicians to sit down and have a genuine discussion about finding a fair and competitive level for royalties. “That’s what the sector has been asking for over the last two years, with little response from the government. Hopefully they will listen to these everyday Queenslanders who want the same thing.” https://vimeo.com/954592646/68c8709d41?sharecopy&_cldee6FxKtjxOhAKK2-WjbTf7cevonZrqS-vFv4B8z8C6Lb6gJR4KX2eggTRgv-wGQD8F&recipientidcontact-430bb8e17154eb11a81200224814c8ac-b037ac6591a14182954a47c36c19be0e&esida03b5e8c-2b25-ef11-840a-002248922daf Mr Dick has repeatedly stressed the role the stepped up royalties have played in the State Government's ability to deliver major infrastructure and cost-of-living relief. Related: QRC lashes out at ‘political games’ on coal royalties And last month he introduced the Progressive Coal Royalties Protection (Keep Them in the Bank) Bill 2024 into Queensland Parliament. The bill means Parliamentary consideration would be required for any proposed changes that would lower progressive coal royalty rates. At the time he said the additional revenue raised from coal royalties, including the new tiers introduced in 2022, had allowed the government to invest more than $16 billion in critical economic and social infrastructure and essential services across all regions of the state, including in coal producing regions. The progressive nature of the royalty tiers meant they only applied during periods of high prices, when coal producers were benefiting from extraordinary returns, he said. Below: A Queensland Treasury promotion on the coal royalty system. https://www.youtube.com/watch?vLRWGWgjqvsw&t30s

QRC opens new front in coal royalties battle

Industry Queensland

Related News

Mount Isa in the mix for battery anode materials plant

Smooth running at Canyon-1H after bumpy start

Different standards add risk to contractor safety

Get access to breaking mining news, now.