Labor and Unions have abandoned mine workers

Mining is the most crucial industry for the economies of North and Central Queensland, not to mention the state and national finances. However, the mining industry, especially coal, has increasingly come under attack from groups who dislike capitalism, democracy, industry and people earning a decent living through hard work. While many are fringe-dwelling extreme greens and eco-terrorists, we now see those who staked their reputation on standing up for the worker acting to put those workers out of a job – including the Australian Labor Party and the unions.

Support for mining

By standing up for the resources industry and coal projects, the Liberal National Government is standing up for workers and their families. Liberal National support of the coal industry and the Carmichael Coal Project has been unwavering and the Australian Government is committed to the billions of dollars in investment and the thousands of jobs the project provides.

Support for jobs

While Labor, the Greens, the unions, and GetUp! think shutting down the mining industry will force the economy to diversify, the Liberal National Government has maintained support for mining while encouraging diversification at the same time. The Australian Government backed up its support for the mining industry with a program to specifically support jobs in the Bowen Basin region. The $30 million Regional Investment and Jobs Package for the Bowen Basin was a commitment made prior to the 2016 election and applications closed in August 2017. The program aimed to drive economic growth and create jobs by investing in projects that would: diversify regional economies, stimulate long-term growth, deliver sustainable employment, and enable applicants to enter new markets and sectors.

Power the North

To further support the coal industry and create a more competitive environment for other industries, George Christensen has driven a campaign to build a clean coal-fired power station in North Queensland. The proposed Collinsville power station will use high quality coal, which the region has in abundance, and will put downward pressure on electricity prices, creating jobs both during and after construction. In 2020 the Morrison Liberal National Government granted $4 million for planning works to get the project to construction stage. When the project is at the construction-ready stage, it will be eligible for consideration under the Morrison Liberal National Government’s Underwriting New Generation Investments program, which supports targeted investment that lower prices, increase competition and increase reliability in the energy system.

Show your support for the Collinsville coal-fired power project and, more broadly, the Queensland coal industry by signing this petition.