THE Queensland Resources Council (QRC) has joined Resources Minister, Scott Stewart, in congratulating Glencore coal on its transformation of previous open-cut mining areas at Oaky Creek coal mine to native vegetation with the potential for grazing. 

QRC chief executive Ian Macfarlane said the e certification of 133 hectares of rehabilitated land at the mine is proof positive that the resources sector is committed to fulfilling its environmental obligations. 

“This is not a one-off. It is the fifth successful certification application in the past three years by a Glencore site in Queensland and the seventh across Glencore’s Australian coal business” Mr Macfarlane said.

“Achieving government signoff to return mined land to the agreed post-mining purposes is no mean feat, requiring a deep commitment by the company and its employees. 

“The resources sector, which is responsible for one in every six jobs and one in five dollars of our economy, has kept us afloat through covid and continues to provide the raw materials the world needs while delivering sustainable rehabilitation outcomes for future use."

Located 90km north-west of Emerald in the heart of Queensland's Bowen Basin, Oaky Creek coal mine produces high quality steel-making metallurgical coal for export, with six million tonnes produced in 2020.

Click here for more information about the resources sector’s rehabilitation efforts.

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THE Joint Standing Committee on Migration today presented an interim report for its inquiry into Australia’s skilled migration program.

Committee chair Julian Leeser MP said, “The committee has heard repeatedly that skilled migrants create Australian jobs. With over 500,000 temporary visa holders leaving Australia during the COVID pandemic, we need to bring back skilled migration, to fill essential gaps and to help create more jobs for Australians.

“Skilled migrants provide much needed skills to fill skills gaps, offering businesses the opportunity to better meet demand and expand, and to pass on their skills to Australians,” Mr Leeser said.

“Australia has always been an attractive destination for migrants. Our excellent response to the health and economic challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic has made Australia an even more attractive destination. Now is the time to attract highly talented individuals and businesses to Australia.

“The report recommends a number of measures to streamline the system to ensure we can capitalise on the opportunity in front of us."

The interim report makes recommendations focused on assisting in recovery from the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The inquiry will continue with a wider focus on long term reform of the skilled migration program. Submissions responding to the terms of reference will be accepted until March 31, 2021.

A copy of the interim report and more details about the inquiry are available on the committee website.

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THE Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) will hold a public hearing this week for its Inquiry into national security risks affecting the Australian higher education and research sector.

Committee chair Senator James Paterson said, “This second hearing will focus on the university and research sector. This inquiry will seek to identify best practice from leading  universities to encourage the rest of the sector to follow and also scrutinise ongoing poor practices at some institutions.”

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, teleconference and video conference facilities may be used to connect witnesses to committee members. The hearings will be broadcast live at aph.gov.au/live.

Public Hearing Details

Friday, March 19 2021
​8am – 4.30pm (AEDT)
​Committee Room 2R1, Parliament House, Canberra

A program for the hearing can be found here.

Further information on the inquiry can be obtained from the Committee’s website.

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MASTER BUILDERS Australia is calling on the Senate to pass the IR Omnibus Bill this week. 

Denita Wawn, CEO of Master Builders Australia said, “Senators need to back this Bill to support economic recovery, it’s that simple.

“Business investment remains low while other indicators of recovery are rebounding. Passing this Bill will send a strong signal to businesses that pragmatic measures to grow the economy are being put in place, boosting confidence that they can hire more people and invest in generating more business activity,” she said. 

“Productivity boosting measures in the Bill include reducing the unnecessary technicalities and complexities that currently beset the IR system. It will encourage enterprise bargaining in our industry which has fallen by over 33 percent in recent years,” Ms Wawn said. 

“With every $1 dollar spent on construction generating $3 in wider economic activity, governments around the country are investing billions to harness the industry’s multiplier effect and build the bridge to recovery. Passing the Omnibus Bill will unlock even more productivity and jobs in the sector. 

“Master Builders does not agree with everything in this Bill, but we have determined not to let ‘the pursuit of the perfect be the enemy of the good’ as it includes positive measures that will boost business confidence and unlock investment to drive economic growth to the benefit of the whole community. 

“The Senate should the pass Omnibus Bill this to improve the operation of the IR system to support the nation’s economic recovery,” Ms Wawn said.

www.masterbuilders.com.au

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