LABOR TO INTRODUCE CHOICE FOR WORKERS IN RESOURCE COMMUNITIES

Media Release.

Opposition Leader Annastacia Palaszczuk said the next Labor Government would end 100% fly-in, fly-out practices for major resource projects near regional communities by giving choice to workers.
Announcing the policy in Moranbah, Ms Palaszczuk said strengthening local communities and maximising employment opportunities would be a priority under Labor.
“The modern Labor Party stands for safe, secure jobs for every Queenslander, regardless of where you live or what you do,” Ms Palaszczuk said.
“We want to see vibrant, thriving communities right across our state, whether you live in regional Queensland or our metropolitan centres."
“From talking to families in mining towns across Queensland, we know how crucial it is for those Queenslanders to have access to secure, long-term jobs close to where they live."
“If you live in Moranbah or Mackay or Rockhampton, you should be able to work there or at least nearby. The practice of dictating to workers that they must move to Brisbane or Cairns and fly-in, fly-out if they want a job isn’t sustainable over the long-term."
“It was Campbell Newman who promised regional Queenslanders he wouldn’t tolerate 100% FIFO prior to the last election before going back on his promise as soon as he was elected."
“My commitment to Queenslanders that live in mining communities is that under the next Labor Government, 100% FIFO proposals will not be approved and we will review all existing 100% FIFO approvals within the first 100 days of office."
“We will also ensure the Coordinator-General regularly reports on local conditions, and whether or not workers have the choice to live in established towns."
“We need to protect our regional communities to ensure they don’t live and die by the daily fluctuations in the coal price, and I’m determined to do that.”
Shadow Mines Minister Jo-Ann Miller said Labor was also committed to working with the industry to promote great awareness of mental health issues.
“There is strong evidence to suggest that some FIFO workers suffer from serious mental illnesses due to the unique nature of their work arrangements,” Mrs Miller said.
“The policy Labor has released today includes a focus on mental health to ensure there’s adequate access to 24-hour support.”

Key points from Labor’s Strong and Sustainable Resource Communities policy include:
• End 100% FIFO operations near regional communities by introducing choice for workers to live in the resource communities near to where they work.
• Amend legislation in consultation with regional communities and local government to require the Coordinator-General to monitor and report on local conditions and workers’ choice opportunities
• Review within the first 100 days of office all existing 100% FIFO approvals and where a mining operation is located near a resource town or regional community require workers to be given a choice of where they live.
• Adequate access to 24 hour mental health and support services for resident/non-resident workers.


The full policy can be found on the Opposition Leader’s website: annastaciapalaszczukmp.com.au