Federal Member for Groom, Garth Hamilton has labelled the attacks on the Australian coal mining industry by Labor, the Greens and Teals as “utter madness”, with figures showing the critical importance of coal to the economy.
Data released by the Queensland Resources Council has revealed the resources sector delivered a record $116.8 billion in economic benefits to the Queensland economy in 2022-23 and supported over 530,000 jobs.
“It is astonishing that the alliance of Labor, Greens and Teals are so quick to condemn the resources sector, particularly coal when of the $116.8 billion in economic benefit, coal represents 72 per cent, or $83.7 billion.
“Do those city-based politicians have any understanding of what exactly it is they are calling for when they ask for mining to be shut down? The consequences for local economies, jobs and families?,” Mr Hamilton questioned.
In the Groom electorate, New Acland Stage 3 is supporting hundreds of jobs and investment in the regional community, after a decade of fighting Queensland Labor.
“I am proud to support workers, their families and the opportunities mining presents for high paying jobs and the economic benefit to our country.
“In the national interest, I urge resources companies and their industry representatives to fight back against misinformation and to combat the destructive anti-resources agenda,” Mr Hamilton said.
In a keynote speech delivered to the Queensland Resources Council Annual Forum in Brisbane this week, Shadow Minister for Resources, Senator McDonald said Labor and the Greens are the biggest threat to the resources sector and resources companies need to stand up for themselves.
“Mining companies need to better champion their vital contribution to our first-world economy and lifestyle to their employees and the public.
“I commend the Queensland Resources Council on their campaign in Queensland, and implore its members to support their peak and back the campaign.
“It is a brave decision to publicly take on Government policy, but in the current environment, strong public action is needed from industry to fight to protect their reputation and sector,” Senator McDonald said.
ENDS.
