FIFO laws: Bill introduced to ban 100pc fly-in fly-out workforces in Qld
Updated
Laws to ban large mining companies from using 100 per cent fly-in-fly-out (FIFO) workers have been introduced to Queensland Parliament.
The Strong and Sustainable Resource Communities Bill 2016 would require large resource projects to consider locals for jobs, and ensure local businesses could win contracts and be part of the project's supply chain.
The Palaszczuk Government committed to changing the laws before the last election.
A number of councils in mining districts have lobbied governments for years to change laws - citing the damage the FIFO practice caused in some towns.
"It is only right that local workers get an opportunity to be considered for these jobs and are not discriminated against because they are local residents," Mines Minister Anthony Lynham told Parliament.
"They should be allowed to live in the local community if they so choose."
The requirements will apply to all large resource projects 100 kilometres or closer to a regional centre.
"To minimise any unforeseen consequences the grounds for discrimination will only apply to those large resource projects that have been subject to an environmental impact assessment report since June 30, 2009, and to proposed projects going through an environmental impact statement process now and into the future," Dr Lynham said.
"In the recruitment of workers for a large resource project, it will become an offence to advertise positions in a way that prohibits residents from nearby regional communities from applying."
The independent Coordinator-General will be able to set, monitor, and enforce the conditions on new large resource projects through their environmental impact statements, which will need to comprehensively assess social impacts.
The bill will now go to Parliament's Infrastructure, Planning and Natural Resources Committee for consideration before its voted on next year.
Dr Lynham also paid tribute to the Mirani MP Jim Pearce for pushing the issue.
"A backbencher making strong representations can change the state for the better," he said.
'Mischief in the mining industry'
Queensland Resources Council chief executive Michael Roche said he was concerned about retrospective changes affecting two FIFO mines in the Bowen basin.
"This legislation is punishing the resources industry for approvals given by a former Labor government," said Mr Roche.
He said the 100 kilometre drive to work would be too large to be safe.
"What we could see is a whole line of cases being taken through the tribunal, tying these companies up in the courts, which could end up being a whole series of vexatious claims."
"People who want to create mischief in the mining industry will have a lot of fun [and] create a lot of cost."
- FIFO Man says mental health safety of fly-in fly-out workers is being neglected
- FIFO parents overcoming family struggles in ever-changing industry
- Queensland mines no longer able to employ entire FIFO workforce, Government says
- FIFO inquiry calls for end to discrimination of local workers, higher scrutiny of mining operations
Topics: mining-industry, industry, business-economics-and-finance, rural, mining-rural, qld
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