Published Wednesday, 17 December, 2008 at 02:39 PM
Premier
The Honourable Anna Bligh
BLIGH CALLS URGENT MEETING AS GLOBAL FINANCIAL CRISIS GRIPS QLD
Premier Anna Bligh will hold urgent talks with unions and the Queensland Resources Council tomorrow to discuss a short and long term response to the effects of the slowing economy on the mining industry.
Ms Bligh has called the meeting following significant industry job losses yesterday.
“The global economic crisis is starting to hurt Queensland,” Ms Bligh said.
“We knew it was coming, but this week we have begun to see the reality of it.
“In just 24 hours, more than 400 Queenslanders lost their jobs with Oz Minerals and Xstrata Coal and they are unlikely to be the last.
“We are in unprecedented economic times and we need to be smart about how we respond to ensure we are ready to bounce back at the earliest opportunity.
“Tomorrow’s talks will focus on what is needed in the short-term to minimise the impact of the current economic climate on Queensland’s regions, but we’ll also look at a longer-term strategy to cater for future needs, particularly skills.”
Mines Minister Geoff Wilson and Departmental representatives from Regional Development and Industry are meeting with unions today to ensure displaced worker are getting all the support they need to find alternative employment.
Wednesday, 17 December 2008
Media: 3224 4500 (Premier’s office)
Ms Bligh has called the meeting following significant industry job losses yesterday.
“The global economic crisis is starting to hurt Queensland,” Ms Bligh said.
“We knew it was coming, but this week we have begun to see the reality of it.
“In just 24 hours, more than 400 Queenslanders lost their jobs with Oz Minerals and Xstrata Coal and they are unlikely to be the last.
“We are in unprecedented economic times and we need to be smart about how we respond to ensure we are ready to bounce back at the earliest opportunity.
“Tomorrow’s talks will focus on what is needed in the short-term to minimise the impact of the current economic climate on Queensland’s regions, but we’ll also look at a longer-term strategy to cater for future needs, particularly skills.”
Mines Minister Geoff Wilson and Departmental representatives from Regional Development and Industry are meeting with unions today to ensure displaced worker are getting all the support they need to find alternative employment.
Wednesday, 17 December 2008
Media: 3224 4500 (Premier’s office)