RESOURCE exploration spending in Queensland increased by almost $130 million or 23 percent in 2020, according to new data released today.

Queensland Resources Council (QRC) chief executive Ian Macfarlane said increased investment in coal, metals and gas exploration was a strong signal in the long-term confidence of the resources sector, particularly in the wake of the devastating impact COVID-19 has had on sections of the economy.

“These latest exploration expenditure figures tell a very positive story about the new investment and new jobs that are going to help Queensland work and earn its way through COVID,” Mr Macfarlane said.

“These results are remarkable because just like every other industry, resources has been impacted by COVID-19.

“Many exploration and drilling companies have reported financial losses, limited access to investment capital and logistics issues due to travel restrictions, but overall the industry has continued to perform.”

The Australian Bureau of Statistics data released today shows the overall expenditure in resources sector exploration last year was $679.4 million, which is almost $130 million above expenditure in the 2019.

Mr Macfarlane said the growth in exploration has been across coal, metals and gas.  

“Exploration expenditure in minerals increased by 18 percent to $411.7 million in 2020 with coal, silver, lead, zinc, nickel, cobalt and gold all up,” he said.

“Exploration expenditure in petroleum, including gas, also increased by 31 percent to $267.7 million last year.”

Mr Macfarlane said the QRC and its exploration arm, the Queensland Exploration Council (QEC), have continued to work with the Queensland Government on the release of additional areas for exploration and initiatives such as the Collaborative Exploration Initiative to support continued development.

“There is no room for complacency.  The government and industry need to continue to work in partnership to grow exploration and ultimately the production investment pipeline,” he said.

www.qrc.org.au

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THE Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Kate Carnell has welcomed an agreement between the SDA and Master Grocers Australia to make improvements to the Retail Award, which will help small businesses in their recovery efforts.

The changes, supported by the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) and the Council of Small Business Organisations Australia (COSBOA), allow retail businesses and workers to agree to increased hours for part time workers that provide flexibility to businesses and security for part time staff.

The proposed reforms have been submitted to the Fair Work Commission for approval, including the provision of access to arbitration by both employers and workers.

Ms Carnell said the agreed changes to the Retail Award were in line with the perma-flexi classification policy long-held by her office.

“This agreement represents significant progress for small businesses that have been crying out for greater flexibility as they recover from the COVID crisis,” Ms Carnell said.

“The agreed changes to the award are proof that better outcomes for business and workers are possible when parties approach the negotiating table with an open mind.

“Under the current system, employers are more likely to hire a casual worker when a staff member takes leave because giving existing staff additional hours comes at a far greater cost.

“If approved, the revised award allows small businesses to offer more hours to their part time employees, while also giving those existing staff members the opportunity to work more hours if they choose.

“Importantly, both small businesses and workers will have enforceable rights under the award, with access to arbitration through the Fair Work Commission.

“It is agreements like this that will give small businesses the confidence and flexibility they need to get back on their feet as part of the national economic recovery.” 

www.asbfeo.gov.au

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QUEENSLAND'S resources industry received the not-so-sweet news this week that it now ranks number 16 out of 77 jurisdictions in the world in terms of investment attractiveness.

Queensland has dropped an alarming six points over the past five years according to the the Fraser Institute’s Annual Survey of Mining Companies 2020, well behind Western Australia’s ranking of four and South Australia at seven.

Queensland Resources Council chief executive Ian Macfarlane has expressed disappointment at the ranking but said the State Government’s commitment to implement a post-COVID Resources Industry Development Plan could help return the state to global favour.

“Mining delivers governments an incredible return on investment through taxes, royalties and employment opportunities but global companies feel more comfortable investing their money into regions where governments are openly and actively supportive of their business,” Mr Macfarlane said.

“I’m pleased to say there’s been a marked turnaround in the Queensland Government’s attitude towards mining over the past 12 months, demonstrated by a commitment to a new industry development plan, so the resources sector is feeling much more optimistic for the future.

“We’re hopeful the implementation of a forward-thinking, dynamic industry plan will lead to a return to the days when mining was celebrated in Queensland and people were proud of the innovations and accomplishments of our sector.”

Mr Macfarlane said Queensland had abundant mineral and gas reserves and a skilled local workforce, but needed the right policy settings to attract the eye of international investors.

As further evidence Queensland has some work to do, this year the state ranked number 29 on the survey’s Policy Perception Index, which measures the local policy and regulatory environment to exploration investors.

This is the worst score in Australia and well behind Western Australia at 11, South Australia at 16 and Tasmania at 25.

Mr Macfarlane said this outcome wasn’t surprising, with the QEC’s 2020 Exploration Scorecard identifying policy uncertainty as a barrier to exploration investment in Queensland.

“Improving the perception of Queensland’s policy environment is vital to the future growth of our exploration sector, and the QRC looks forward to working collaboratively with the State Government on the Resources Industry Development Plan to achieve this,” he said.

The survey’s Best Practices Mineral Potential Index ranked Queensland at 15, which is again behind Western Australia (6), South Australia (8) and the Northern Territory (14).

www.qrc.org.au

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A SELECT committee on mental health and suicide prevention has been established to consider a range of strategic reviews of the current mental health system, and whether the recommendations are fit for purpose to address the fallout from bushfires and the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Chair of the House of Representatives Select Committee on Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, Dr Fiona Martin MP said, "While the bushfires were catastrophic, it was the emergence of COVID-19 that has changed everything. Over the last year, COVID-19 has had a significant effect on the mental health of many Australians through increased isolation, job loss and financial stress.

"In addition, there has been a reduction in access to face-to-face mental health services, with many changing to telephone support models, while crisis organisations and suicide prevention services experience higher demand. However, it has also seen innovation prioritised and communities rally to support one another."

The committee will begin the inquiry by reviewing the findings of the Productivity Commission Inquiry Report into Mental Health, the Report of the National Suicide Prevention Officer, the Victorian Royal Commission and the National Mental Health Workforce Strategy. It will then turn its attention to the experiences and successes of mental health and suicide prevention stakeholders, from grassroots services through to international initiatives.

The committee is accepting written submissions addressing one or more of the terms of reference and invites individuals and organisations to share their views with the committee. The closing date for submissions is March 24, 2021. A guide to making a submission can be found on the website.

The committee will also hold hearings as part of this inquiry so that it can hear from people who have relevant experience or expertise. The dates and locations for the committee's hearings will be published on the inquiry website.

The Committee is unable to intervene or provide advice in relation to individual circumstances. If you are in immediate danger, please contact 000. If you or someone you know needs help, contact one of the services below:

Lifeline Australia 13 11 14
Suicide Call Back 1300 659 467
Kids Help Line 1800 551 800
BeyondBlue 1300 224 636
eheadspace 1800 650 890

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