Govt to deliver choice for resource communities workers

The Palaszczuk Government is poised to meet its election commitment to deliver choice for resource community workers and end 100 per cent fly-in fly-out mine workforces.

Minister for State Development and Minister for Natural Resources and Mines Dr Anthony Lynham said today that later this year the government would legislate for:

• no 100 per cent FIFO operations in new mines where nearby regional towns have a capable workforce
• existing 100 per cent FIFO operations to need to consider locals for employment.

“This Government believes workers should have choices,” he said.

“If people want to live in regional communities they should have the opportunity to apply for jobs at nearby resource projects.”

Dr Lynham told Parliament today the government’s plans would deliver strong and sustainable resource communities for Queenslanders.

The plans are detailed in the government’s response to the report of the Infrastructure, Planning and Natural Resources Committee and an independent FIFO review panel. The committee made 27 recommendations towards improving the outcomes from large resource projects for workers and regional communities.

The government’s response detailed a range of measures to be adopted, including:

• improved social impact assessments by mining companies
• workforce plans that maximise the opportunity for local workers to get jobs
• workers to live in local existing housing, or in purpose-built villages, where there is community support
• accommodation that provides a safe, clean and healthy environment for workers

“This will build communities, increase opportunities for employment and allow competitive local businesses to get the maximum benefit from the projects,” he told Parliament.

“Procurement plans are also required to ensure competitive and capable local businesses are given full, fair and reasonable opportunity to win contracts on these large resource projects.”

Dr Lynham thanked the Parliamentary committee, the chair Member for Mirani Jim Pearce, and the FIFO panel for their work.

[ENDS]           17 March 2016

Media contact:           Jan Martin       0439 341 314