QRC welcomes strong Queensland presence in key Federal Ministry appointments
Click here for photo of QRC Chief Executive Officer Janette Hewson
The Queensland Resources Council (QRC) has welcomed the re-appointment of Madeleine King to the position of Minister for Resources and Minister for Northern Australia and Queensland Senator Murray Watt to his new portfolio as Environment Minister.
Another Queenslander, Senator Anthony Chisolm, is the new Assistant Minister for Resources, Regional Development, Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.
QRC Chief Executive Officer Janette Hewson said the industry looks forward to working with Ministers King and Watt and Assistant Minister Chisolm on key issues for the resources sector.
“We look forward to having Minister Watt and Assistant Minister Chisolm as strong Queensland voices in the Ministry in important portfolios for the resources sector in our state,” Ms Hewson said.
“QRC has been encouraged by Minister King’s commitment to the resources sector and her acknowledgement of the crucial role the industry plays in Australia’s efforts to achieve lower emissions targets, Ms Hewson said.
“As a WA-based MP, Minister King understands how important a highly competitive resources sector is to the Australian economy and the jobs and flow-on business opportunities it generates.
“QRC is working closely with the Queensland Government to streamline approvals for existing and new resources projects in this state.
“We will work with Federal Ministers to ensure that Australian Government policies support future growth of the Queensland resources sector so it continues to make such an important contribution to our state and nation.
“It is essential that all levels of government work together to remove duplication and excessive regulation that cause lengthy approval delays and deter investment which is critical for the resources sector to grow,” Ms Hewson said.
“Queensland has abundant reserves of the resources the world needs including coal, gas, metals and critical minerals and QRC looks forward to constructive engagement with the government to achieve policies that encourage new exploration and investment to unlock our industry’s full potential.”
