Probe on payment terms

AUGUST 29, 2018: THE issue of payment terms for those involved in the mining and construction sector will be front and centre at a parliamentary committee hearing in Mackay tomorrow (Thursday).Barnaby Joyce, the Member for New England and Chair of the Innovation, Industry, Science and Resources (IISR) Committee, will be present. He is one of the great champions of regional Australia and I am urging interested business operators to attend the hearing, or make a submission.Lengthy payment terms for goods and services in mining and related industries are a big issue for many local business owners and industry groups. We want to see that our small and medium businesses can operate on reasonable and manageable terms, and that regional communities therefore benefit as a result.Those who will make representations at the hearing, groups such as Resource Industry Network, are now locked in, but people are welcome to attend and watch the proceedings.Businesses and individuals can also still make submissions via the inquiry website.The Mackay public hearing will be held tomorrow from 8.30am to 2.30pm at Building 1, Floor 4, CQ University Mackay Campus, 90-92 Sydney Street.Anyone seeking more information can contact the Committee on 02 6277 4114 or via iisr.reps@aph.gov.au or call Mr Christensen’s office on 4944 0662.