Queensland must use NEG time to protect trade-exposed businesses, jobs

THE QUEENSLAND Palaszczuk Government should ensure emission intensive and trade exposed (EITE) businesses, such as smelters, refineries and manufacturers, are exempt from the emissions and reliability requirements of the proposed National Energy Guarantee, according to the Queensland Resources Council.

Speaking after the meeting of Australia’s Energy Ministers in Canberra today, QRC chief executive Ian Macfarlane said further talks about the proposed National Energy Guarantee are due in August, and this was an important opportunity for the Palaszczuk Government to engage with EITE industries

“At a time when Queensland is achieving the strongest economic growth in the nation and exports are at record levels, it’s important that these Queensland job-generating industries are exempt as they have been under the Australian Government’s Renewable Energy Target,” Mr Macfarlane said.

“The Queensland Resources Council urges the Palaszczuk Government to use the time before the next Energy Ministers’ meeting to ensure Queensland has the strongest possible position on the NEG to put downward pressure on electricity prices, secure reliable access to electricity, support Queensland jobs and provide policy stability for investment.

“The resources industry supports a technology agnostic approach to Queensland’s energy mix of coal, gas and renewables to provide energy security, affordability and sustainability."

The Queensland Resources Council is the peak representative body for Queensland's resources industry, including major energy suppliers and users. The Queensland resources industry provides one in every $6 dollars in the Queensland economy, sustains one in eight Queensland jobs, and supports more than 16,400 business across the State all from 0.1 percent of Queensland's land mass.

www.qrc.org.au