In an effort to combat what it says are “the world’s highest coal royalty taxes”, the Queensland Resources Council (QRC) has launched a new round of its ‘Keep Queensland Competitive’ campaign, designed to highlight the “damage being done” to Queensland businesses.
The campaign — set to run until the state election on 26 October — will feature a series of ‘Everyday Queenslanders’ advertisements, which QRC chief Janette Hewson says will show how “the world’s highest royalties has led to billions of dollars of projects being cancelled or postponed.”
“These are retail workers, publicans, farmers, trucking business owners, fencers, electrical engineers, admin officers and apprentices. They come from across regional parts of the state, including Clermont, Mackay, Charters Towers and Moranbah,” Hewson says.
“They all rely on a strong and confident resources sector to help their local businesses thrive and to secure their local jobs. And their message is simple: they want politicians to sit down and have a genuine discussion about finding a fair and competitive level for royalties.”
On 1 July 2022, the government introduced three new tiers to the state’s coal royalty structure — for coal sold, disposed of, or used — to ensure Queenslanders receive a fair return during periods of high prices.
The increased return to Queenslanders received during periods of high prices aims to enable the provision of essential infrastructure and services to meet the needs of Queenslanders across all regions.
On 23 May 2024, the Queensland Government introduced new legislation to keep progressive coal royalties in the hands of Queensland taxpayers.
The government invested more than $16 billion in critical economics and social infrastructure, as well as essential services across all regions of the state, including in coal producing regions.
Progressive coal royalties will also fund the $1,000 rebate every Queensland household will receive off their electricity bill from 1 July 2024.
But the QRC is “disappointed” by the state government’s legislation, claiming it makes the state less competitive when it comes to attracting investments in new resources projects that drive future jobs and economic benefits.
“We know that our campaign has resonated across the state, and our research shows that people everywhere have agreed with our message that when you hurt Queensland’s resources sector, you hurt Queensland,” Hewson adds.
“However, we are now severely limited by the government’s third party electoral spending laws, so we intend to focus our efforts over the next five months in those parts of the state where everyday Queenslanders are feeling the greatest impact.
“We continue to invite both sides of politics to sit down with the sector and come up with a fair and sustainable royalties regime that keeps Queensland competitive and protects and grows jobs and opportunities for everyday Queenslanders.”
Write to Aaliyah Rogan at Mining.com.au
Images: Unsplash
