Minister holds talks with mining union on latest job losses
Published Monday, 02 March, 2009 at 03:46 PM
Minister for Mines and Energy
The Honourable Geoff Wilson
Mines and Energy Minister Geoff Wilson held urgent talks with one of the state’s key mining unions to discuss the latest job losses at Anglo Coal Australia.
Anglo Coal Australia today announced the loss of 650 jobs at its mining operations across Queensland and New South Wales.
Minister Wilson met with representatives from the Construction, Forestry, Mining Energy Union (CFMEU) on the need to support workers through these unprecedented, difficult times.
“I sat down with the CFMEU and let them know that the Bligh Government is right behind those workers and will move heaven and earth to help them,” he said.
“That’s why we’re fast-tracking 11 key mining projects in regional Queensland. Once approved and all goes well, they have the potential to create more than 1500 jobs.
“Our rapid response teams are out and about in the mining regions with their sleeves rolled up, ready to help. We’ve got local teams in 14 regions helping workers.
“And we’re getting results. So far, more than half the workers registered with our teams have either got another job or no longer need our assistance.
“One of the key roles of the teams is to help workers identify their skills, help them explore job opportunities in other industries and get them working again,” he said.
“Unfortunately today’s job losses are unlikely to be the last. What we’re seeing here is the human face of the worst global economic crisis since the Depression. Queensland is not alone.
“That’s why our $17 billion jobs generating plan is so vital. It’s the biggest building program in the country and it will help keep Queensland strong during these tough times.
“We’ve also fast-tracked $27 million from our Sustainable Resource Communities Fund for investments in key mining towns to stimulate jobs,” he said.
“We will continue to work closely with the mining sector and unions. We will ride through this storm together because Queensland’s mining industry is resilient with a strong long-term future,” he said.
Media enquiries: 3224 7332
Anglo Coal Australia today announced the loss of 650 jobs at its mining operations across Queensland and New South Wales.
Minister Wilson met with representatives from the Construction, Forestry, Mining Energy Union (CFMEU) on the need to support workers through these unprecedented, difficult times.
“I sat down with the CFMEU and let them know that the Bligh Government is right behind those workers and will move heaven and earth to help them,” he said.
“That’s why we’re fast-tracking 11 key mining projects in regional Queensland. Once approved and all goes well, they have the potential to create more than 1500 jobs.
“Our rapid response teams are out and about in the mining regions with their sleeves rolled up, ready to help. We’ve got local teams in 14 regions helping workers.
“And we’re getting results. So far, more than half the workers registered with our teams have either got another job or no longer need our assistance.
“One of the key roles of the teams is to help workers identify their skills, help them explore job opportunities in other industries and get them working again,” he said.
“Unfortunately today’s job losses are unlikely to be the last. What we’re seeing here is the human face of the worst global economic crisis since the Depression. Queensland is not alone.
“That’s why our $17 billion jobs generating plan is so vital. It’s the biggest building program in the country and it will help keep Queensland strong during these tough times.
“We’ve also fast-tracked $27 million from our Sustainable Resource Communities Fund for investments in key mining towns to stimulate jobs,” he said.
“We will continue to work closely with the mining sector and unions. We will ride through this storm together because Queensland’s mining industry is resilient with a strong long-term future,” he said.
Media enquiries: 3224 7332