Last call for jobs support
28 October 2015: North Queenslanders have just two more days to return their “Postcards for Adani” to support jobs and economic growth through the Carmichael mine.
Job protection guaranteed in CHAFTA deal
NO foreigner will be allowed to fill a job in Australia that an Australian can do under new regulations to be introduced by the Liberal National Government.These regulations apply to the China Australia Free Trade Agreement (CHAFTA), the 457 visa regime, and all other such arrangements, and these regulations have won the support of the Labor Party.It always was the case that Australian workers would get the first go and a fair go at filling Australian jobs and the new regulations will make that doubly so.
Benefits of medicinal marijuana are many
A MOVE by the Liberal National Coalition Government to allow for the cultivation of medicinal cannabis is a compassionate and sensible one.It's a cause I have personally been championing for some time, and I welcome the potential for job creation in the region.There is plenty of evidence to support the use of medicinal marijuana. It’s a natural product which can provide very effective relief for those suffering from a range of debilitating illnesses.Our region also has a lot to gain through the introduction of a new crop that could boost our economy.
Carmichael Mine Project gets green light
THE long wait for a decision on the Carmichael Mine Project is over; with word today that Federal Environment Minister Greg Hunt has approved the project.Workers and business operators throughout Central and North Queensland will be breathing a sigh of relief.The way is now clear for Adani to get on with the job of building the Carmichael mine and the associated rail infrastructure, and that means jobs and investment dollars will start to flow.
CQ MPs take action to ban 100% FIFO
A BILL to ban 100% Fly-In Fly-Out (FIFO) work practices is one of the first orders of business in Canberra next Monday, following the push by Michelle Landry and I to end discrimination by postcode.The Private Member’s Bill will seek to make it illegal for companies to lock people out of jobs based on where they live.The workers of this region deserve the right to apply for any job going, and should particularly be able to apply for jobs right on their doorstep.
Time to sign up to welcome campaign
THE postcards and signatures on the Adani campaign are rolling into the office as close to 1000 people register their support for the Carmichael Mine Project and Abbot Point coal terminal expansion.It is vital for the region to demonstrate its willingness to work on the project which will create thousands of jobs over the total project.We want to ensure we are a collection point for workers for the Carmichael Coal Project, and it has always been Adani’s intention that this be the case.
Labor fails to deliver on 100% FIFO
AFTER promising to end the practice of 100% fly-in fly-out mining arrangements in order to get elected, the State Labor Government has drastically failed to deliver.The Palaszczuk Labor Government made big promises ahead of the last state election, and stated in no uncertain terms that “the current practice of excluding potential workers from applying for jobs and training because of their residential postcode will not be allowed to continue”.Their FIFO committee has now released a report stating that it ‘does not support retrospective recommendations to current project approvals’.So they’ve had a committee working on this for months, and their recommendation will do nothing to end the existing practice of 100% FIFO operations.
MP will travel to India to deliver message
“We’ve got the workers, the industry capabilities and the experience to support your project Mr Adani, and we’re ready to get started.”This is the message I will share personally with mining investor Gautam Adani when I travel to India next month.The region’s need for jobs and investment is too important to leave to chance, and I will do everything in my power to ensure our region does not miss out on the opportunities the Carmichael Mine Project will bring.I’m asking everyone in Mackay to get on board with my campaign to let Gautam Adani know that we are ready and waiting to roll up our sleeves and get to work.
Extreme green rot must stop
THE latest extreme green court action mounted against the Alpha Coal Project demonstrates how important it is that the Federal Government stick with legislation to end the sabotage of coal projects.The people who pay the ultimate price for these vigilante court actions are the workers of Central and North Queensland in dire need of jobs, and the businesses desperate for a boost to the region’s economy.The extreme green activists will continue to mount challenge after challenge against coal projects like the Alpha Coal Project and the Carmichael Mine Project.
Mackay small business advisor up and running
SMALL business owners in the region now have a dedicated advisor based in Mackay to help them with everything from finances through to team building.Small businesses are the bedrock of our economy, and if we support them, they can boost their performance and employ more staff.Having access to the right advice at the right time can make all the difference and that is why the appointment of a small business advisor based here in Mackay is so important.I congratulate Lindon Lawn on his appointment to the role of small business advisor.
NBN satellite launch signals jobs and connections
TODAY’s launch of the NBN Co Sky Muster satellite means high speed broadband for those in remote areas is one step closer, as are the associated 900 extra jobs in Queensland the total NBN Co rollout requires.The Sky Muster satellite will provide high speed broadband capability in some of the more remote areas of the country so if there are pockets in this region which can not be reached by other TODAY’s launch of the NBN Co Sky Muster satellite means high speed broadband for those in remote areas is one step closer, as are the associated 900 extra jobs in Queensland the total NBN Co rollout requires.The Sky Muster satellite will provide high speed broadband capability in some of the more remote areas of the country so if there are pockets in this region which can not be reached by other TODAY’s launch of the NBN Co Sky Muster satellite means high speed broadband for those in remote areas is one step closer, as are the associated 900 extra jobs in Queensland the total NBN Co rollout requires.The Sky Muster satellite will provide high speed broadband capability in some of the more remote areas of the country so if there are pockets in this region which can not be reached by other methods, this satellite will provide that connectivity.It also means the need for up to 900 extra workers in Queensland to speed up the total NBN rollout.
People of Bowen have their say
THE people of Bowen will finally have their say tomorrow on the actions of extreme green groups and their job-destroying tactics.A public hearing being conducted by the House of Representatives Standing Committee on the Environment will provide an opportunity for business owners, business groups and individuals to give their side of the story on issues such as the development of Abbot Point.People in Bowen feel like they’re the political football when it comes to resources development in this country and they’ve had enough of it.
New Minister ready to tackle extreme greens
THE Liberal National Government’s new Minister for Resources, Energy and Northern Australia has wasted no time in addressing the issue of extreme green activism which is robbing the region of jobs and investment.Minister Josh Frydenberg has already noted the importance of Adani’s Carmichael Mine Project, and the threat to our economy posed by the campaigns of the extreme greens.He understands what’s at stake here, as their destructive extreme green campaigns will not only cost the people of this region jobs and opportunities; they are also likely to result in foreign investors going elsewhere for their coal and iron ore.
Labor’s take on refugee crisis is hypocritical
LABOR’S plan to bring in tens of thousands of refugees smacks of hypocrisy.Labor opposes the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement on the totally fictional basis that it’s a threat to Australian jobs but they propose to take in more than 20,000 extra refugees who will be able to take Australian jobs without labour market testing.
Lone Labor MP recognises importance of mine
AUGUST 20, 2015: STRONG support for the $16.5 billion Carmichael mine project in Central Queensland from Labor’s key resources spokesperson has been hailed as a win for the workers of Central and North Queensland.