INCREASED COAL, LNG and mineral sales have helped Queensland post a record export result of $73.7 billion for the 12 months until the end of May, according to the latest trade data released by the State Government.

Queensland Resources Council chief executive Ian Macfarlane said the resources sector contributed almost $60 billion - or 80 percent - of the result.

“For every 10 dollars Queensland earns through exports, the resources sector contributes eight of those 10 dollars,” he said.

“This is a tribute to the more than 280,000 Queenslanders working directly and indirectly in the resources sector. To those men and women, Indigenous and non-Indigenous, in the regions and the south-east – please accept the congratulations on behalf of all Queenslanders.”

Over the last 12 months:

• Coal exports increased by $5 billion or 18% to $32.8 billion;
• Mineral exports increased by $634.2 million or 9.3% to $7.4 billion; and
• LNG, alumina and semi-soft coking metallurgical coal to $20.9 billion of exports classified as confidential. This category of exports increased by $3.8 billion or 22%.

Mr Macfarlane said Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk was correct to highlight the increase in coal exports was due to a recovery from the devastating impact of Tropical Cyclone Debbie in March and April 2017.

“What the Premier, the coal industry and Queenslanders do not know is how monopoly rail operator Aurizon will apply its threat to stop up to 20 million tonnes of coal reaching export ports in central Queensland. If Aurizon follows through with its threat, we estimate a $4 billion cut in coal exports,” he said.

Mr Macfarlane said the Palaszczuk Government last year set itself the target for Queensland to be the source of 22 percent of national exports annually until 2022.

“The latest trade figures put Queensland at 23 percent, ahead of its target. Without resources sector exports, Queensland would provide only 4.4 percent of the nation’s overseas trade. Without coal exports, it would be only 13 percent,” he said.

Link to Queensland Treasury trade data http://www.qgso.qld.gov.au/products/reports/exports-qld-goods-overseas/exports-qld-goods-overseas-201805.pdf

Link to the Premier’s statement on trade results http://statements.qld.gov.au/Statement/2018/7/4/queensland-exports-continue-to-soar-to-new-heights

www.qrc.org.au

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QUEENSLAND Resources Council chief executive, Ian Macfarlane, today applauded Glencore’s environmental credentials after the company received certification from the Queensland Government for the rehabilitation of 220 hectares of land at its Rolleston Open Cut coal mine south of Emerald.

“It’s another clear and practical example of Glencore’s commitment to the environment and the sustainability of mining in regional Queensland,” he said.

"I congratulate Glencore on again demonstrating its high standards set by its team in the rehabilitation of mined land, this certification covers an area of around 200 Suncorp Stadiums.

“It’s the second time Glencore’s coal operations in Queensland have received certification with the company’s Newlands operations awarded certification for 73 hectares of land last year.

“Queensland’s coal industry adheres to some of the highest environmental standards in the world with a strong focus on the rehabilitation of land post mining.

“The Queensland resources industry is committed to sustainable environmental practices, including world-class rehabilitation, which ensures our resources are developed to our best advantage for local economies and local communities.”

Queensland resources sector supports 280,000 full-time jobs while only using 0.1 per cent of the State’s land mass, Mr Macfarlane said.

www.qrc.org.au

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THE Banking Royal Commission is currently investigating concerns about unethical conduct from finance companies, including funeral insurance companies, accused of targeting vulnerable Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples with unsuitable products.

This week, the Commission has heard from Aboriginal people in remote communities who have been sold funeral insurance policies which they did not understand and did not need.

Another non-Indigenous company with no Aboriginal affiliation used the rainbow serpent, which holds great importance for First Peoples, in its marketing to lure Aboriginal customers in.

According to consumer groups, some First Peoples have been paying for up to five funeral insurance policies for their families.

The Royal Commission is currently holding public hearings in Darwin, where they are shining the spotlight on these unscrupulous practices.

“Funerals hold great cultural importance for many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and many peoples are concerned about how they will be able to afford funerals.” Jackie Huggins, National Congress co-chair, said.

“At the same time, we know that financial literacy is significantly lower among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples than the general population. This makes many First Peoples exceptionally vulnerable to predatory tactics from funeral insurance companies."

National Congress co-chair Rod Little said, “It is criminal that companies, including funeral insurance companies are taking advantage of any vulnerable person, especially Aboriginal peoples in regional and remote communities.

“This is a matter we have calling for action on for some time, however we feel we have been ignored by governments. It is commendable to see the Royal Commission finally drawing attention to this issue. However, we want to see this new evidence translated into affirmative action. This has gone on unaddressed long enough.”

National Congress is calling on governments and authorities to take urgent action to end the financial exploitation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples by financial companies.

www.nationalcongress.com.au

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THE Turnbull Government is taking an mportant step to better target the Research and Development Tax Incentive (R&DTI), today releasing draft legislation for public comment.

The Treasurer, Scott Morrison MP, alongside the Minister for Jobs and Innovation Senator Michaelia Cash, said the consultation will help strike the right balance for the R&DTI — the Government’s key program for supporting business R&D in Australia.

“We are committed to backing R&D investment and the economic opportunities and jobs it generates. At the same time we need to make sure that the investment of taxpayers’ money is well targeted by encouraging companies to do more, and not just be rewarded for R&D they would have conducted without an incentive,” the Treasurer said.

Minister Cash said the proposed amendments ensure the reforms operate consistently with their policy intent and continue to provide targeted and effective support to innovative Australian companies that undertake R&D in Australia.

“By better targeting R&D investment, these changes will lead to new ideas, products, services and jobs,” Mr Cash said.

The amendments to the R&DTI form the Government’s response to the recommendations of the 2016 Review of the R&D Tax Incentive and the Innovation and Science Australia 2030 Strategic Plan.

The Turnbull Government is seeking stakeholder feedback on the implementation of the proposed amendments. The exposure draft legislation, explanatory materials and consultation document are available on the Treasury website. Interested stakeholders are encouraged to provide their views by Thursday July 26, 2018.

Submissions can be emailed to R&This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. during the consultation period.

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