MPs say forum is a constructive move by CFMEU

MARCH 25, 2015: A CFMEU plan to hold a Community Forum on jobs and the effects of 100% Fly-In Fly-Out workforces in places like Mackay and Moranbah is a constructive step in the right direction.Federal Member for Capricornia Michelle Landry and I share the same view on this.I am not able to attend the meeting due to a long standing commitment, but I welcome the jobs forum as the impact of 100% FIFO is an issue I have campaigned on since the Bligh Labor government approved the Daunia and Caval Ridge mines as 100% FIFO three years ago.I have advised the organisers that I will be sending a representative from my office.I am also extending an olive branch to union delegates and ask them to come and sit down and talk about the issues that come out of the forum as soon as we can arrange a meeting. I am anything but anti-union. I am a former member of both the Australian Manufacturing Workers Union and the MEAA Alliance (journalists’ union). My family also has historical links to the Federated Clerks Union and the Glasgow Dock Workers Union.In fact I believe there needs to be more engagement between unions and members of the Liberal National Coalition. It's sad that any such dialogue is unfortunately hampered due to the union being an affiliate member of the Australian Labor Party.It’s no secret that the CFMEU is an active campaigner and funder of the Labor Party and I wish they would end that connection because it’s detrimental to having a good relationship with both sides of politics. Our region is definitely feeling the effects of the downturn in the mining industry, which is why I will keep fighting for projects which will create jobs.Thousands of jobs are at stake with the expansion of the Abbot Point coal terminal and the associated Galilee Basin.I've also worked with colleague Michelle Landry to secure more road and infrastructure projects to boost the local economy during the mining downturn, including a $166 million Federal Government cash injection to upgrade Eton Range on the Peak Downs Highway and a $35 million bridge replacement program.Ms Landry will attend the forum in Mackay, and she is another staunch opponent of 100% FIFO since taking office. She said next week’s discussions offered a chance to put aside differences with unions to work on the issue as a united community.“100% FIFO is simply killing off our local communities and smothering the prospect for jobs and small business growth in our mining region,” Ms Landry said.“The impact of 100% FIFO is devastating on families, small business and local communities. I want to reassure the community that I continue to say ‘no to 100% FIFO’ and I have been actively working hard to lobby against it.”The forum is to be held on Monday, March 30 between 10.30am – 12pm at Mackay Grande Suites.