Senator urges resources sector to take a stand

Federal opposition spokeswoman for resources Senator Susan McDonald has taken aim at what she describes as Labor’s attacks on Australian coal mining as 'utter madness'. Coming on the day of the QRC annual lunch and forum in Brisbane, Senator McDonald pointed to new figures showing coal’s enormous contribution to Queensland's economy. Queensland Resources Council data released today shows the resources sector delivered a record $116.8 billion in economic benefits to the state economy in 2022-23. Of that, coal companies contributed 72 per cent, or $83.7 billion. Federal opposition spokeswoman for resources Senator Susan McDonald. Senator McDonald, a keynote speaker at the forum, described Labor and the Greens as the biggest threat to the resources sector and said that resources companies must stand up for themselves. Ahead of the forum, Senator McDonald said: “Mining companies need to better champion their vital contribution to our first-world economy and lifestyle to their employees and the public. “Unions make no secret of their animosity towards political parties they don’t believe are acting in their best interests, and resources companies should be adopting a similarly assertive stance to the biggest threats to their interests: Labor and the Greens. “I urge resources companies and their industry peak bodies to unify and come together to combat destructive anti-resources rhetoric currently being peddled by a vociferous minority." Related: Warning on investments as Hay Point project unveiled The QRC has spoken out repeatedly against the State Government’s sudden introduction of higher coal royalty taxes, including through widespread advertising and letterbox campaigns. “I commend the Queensland Resources Council on their campaign in Queensland, and implore its members to support their peak and back the campaign, Senator McDonald said. “It is a brave decision to publicly take on government policy, but in the current environment, strong public action is needed from industry to fight to protect their reputation and sector.” Her comment drew a swipe from State Treasurer Cameron Dick: “Senator McDonald is at least honest enough to admit the LNP would scrap Queensland’s progressive coal royalties, depriving resource communities of billions of dollars in services and infrastructure they need.” State Treasurer Cameron Dick. Mr Dick has attributed the government's ability to back numerous projects to its royalties stand. One example is the $48.5 million Moranbah hospital development, whose construction has been fast-tracked. Providing an update on that project yesterday, Mr Dick said: “Coal is Queensland’s largest export, worth $66 billion a year, and it is only fair regional Queensland communities get their fair share of this resource.” Senator McDonald has also taken a shot at 'the millions the government spends on funding the Environmental Defenders Office to wage legal warfare on government decisions'. This undermined any credibility or illusion of support for the resources sector, she said. Click below for more coverage from today's QRC annual lunch and forum : https://industryqld.com.au/reaping-rewards-from-record-resources-spend/ https://industryqld.com.au/industry-best-gather-at-qrc-forum/

Senator urges resources sector to take a stand

Industry Queensland

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