Queensland Resources Council chief executive officer Ian Macfarlane has called for Annastacia Palaszczuk’s successor to encourage investment and growth in the state’s resources sector.
Palaszczuk announced her resignation as Queensland Premier yesterday, after acting in the role since 2015. She will also step down as Member for Inala at the end of the year.
“The Premier has given her life to the public service of Queensland and done much to improve the wellbeing of many people,” Macfarlane said.
While wishing Palaszczuk well in the future, Macfarlane has called for the next Queensland Premier to be more openly supportive and encouraging of the resources sector.
QRC has repeatedly expressed concerns regarding the state’s controversial three-tiered coal royalties system that started on July 1, 2022, and is currently campaigning against the regime.
“Unfortunately, 18 months ago (Palaszczuk) also presided over the introduction of the world’s highest coal royalty tax into Queensland that has made our state uncompetitive for new investment in new resources projects,” Macfarlane said.
“We have already seen Glencore cancel the development of the Valeria mine in central Queensland, costing thousands of jobs, and BHP has openly stated it will not be investing in new projects in Queensland.
“Queensland needs a Premier and government that encourages investment and growth in the resources sector to grow jobs, exports and the state economy.”
Macfarlane said a new Premier presents an opportunity to make Queensland’s resources sector competitive again.
“The best outcome for Queensland in terms of jobs and business opportunities will be achieved when the State Government acknowledges the importance of the resources sector in its policy-making decisions to ensure they don’t harm our sector’s future,” Macfarlane said.
“We need to get back to a place where government policy does not hamper our industry’s ability to compete internationally for long-term investment in new projects, including in the emerging critical minerals industry.”
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