NEW JOBS in the Queensland resources sector advertised online have increased by 91 percent compared over the last 12 months, highlighting improved confidence and industry outlook, Queensland Resources Council chief executive Ian Macfarlane said.

Mr Macfarlane said online employment market SEEK found new jobs advertised in the mining, resources and energy sector had the highest growth in Queensland compared with 2017.

Kendra Banks, SEEK ANZ managing director said, “New job ads in Mining, Resources & Energy increased across all states with Queensland (91% year on year), Victoria (86% YoY) and New South Wales (62% YoY) driving growth in the sector.”

Mr Macfarlane said the Queensland resources industry supported one in every eight jobs – or 282,000 full-time equivalent jobs

“Improved prices and strong international demand is increasing confidence, investment, exports and mostly, jobs,” he said.

“Last financial year, direct full-time equivalent jobs in the resources sector grew by 12.7 percent to 38,150.”

Mr Macfarlane said there was renewed interest in careers in the resources sector.

“Mining company New Hope advertised for eight plant operator traineeships with two at its West Moreton operations near Rosewood and six at its New Acland operations. They received more than 300 applications in response,” he said.

The Queensland Resources Council is the peak representative body for Queensland’s resource industry. 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

ends

THE Institute of Public Accountants (IPA) is working with Minister Kelly O’Dwyer and the Treasury over the proposed change to the audit cycle of Self-managed Superannuation Funds (SMSFs).

“We need to understand the policy rationale for the proposal to move to three-year cycles for SMSF audits,” said IPA chief executive officer, Andrew Conway.

“How does reducing the audit cycle enhance regulatory oversight and transparency in the SMSF sector?

“We know, that now more than ever, in the financial services space, sunlight is the best disinfectant.  Without an annual SMSF auditor oversight, how will the regulator of the SMSF sector, monitor compliance?

“These issues go far beyond the impact on SMSF auditors and speak to the very confidence and transparency of the SMSF sector. 

“Arguments around compliance costs are myopic at best as trustees are likely to be required to have a three year audit at greater total cost than the current (12 month) review.  Will the unsubstantiated audit cost-saving be worth the significant risks such a measure introduces?” said Mr Conway.

www.publicaccountants.org.au

ends

STATEMENT by Queensland Resources Council chief executive Ian Macfarlane on Aurizon: >>

"Aurizon chief executive officer Andrew Harding must explain why he ramped up the dispute with the Queensland Competition Authority (QCA) after Japanese steel makers raised concerns about his company’s actions to restrict the movement of metallurgical coal from central Queensland mines to export ports.

"The Courier-Mail report today that during Mr Harding’s visit to Japan last month that “questions had been raised by the powerful Japanese steel mills over the issue”, yet Aurizon initiated Supreme Court action against the Queensland Competition Authority four days later.

"This is the most reckless, anti-Queensland behaviour I have seen from a Queensland-based CEO, particularly from one that has a monopoly and is not prepared to work with its customers.

"When he was in Tokyo on 26 April, Mr Harding told Japan industry representatives that Aurizon was “seeking to engage directly with our customers and supply chain partners on the range of issues contained in the Draft Decision. We are working towards an outcome that is better aligned with the long-term interests of the Queensland coal industry and the economy more broadly.

"In fact, Mr Harding and Aurizon have failed to engage their customers – the coal-mining industry – and four days later (30 April), Mr Harding and Aurizon referred the matter to the Supreme Court of Queensland.

"The Queensland coal industry, the Queensland Government, Japanese steel makers, Aurizon staff and investors are all scratching their head about Mr Harding’s actions.

"Japan is Queensland’s second largest export market and it has been a key partner for our State’s resources industry for more than half a century – a key customer and investor.

"At a time when the industry and the Queensland Government is striving to increase exports and jobs, Aurizon is actively working against our efforts.  Aurizon and Andrew Harding are working against Queensland.

"At a time when the industry and the Queensland Government has urged Aurizon to respect the independent QCA processes, it has snubbed its nose at the regulator and introduced draconian measures to stifle industry and damage the Queensland economy.

"The loss of 20 million tonnes would reduce Queensland exports by up to $4 billion and cut royalties payable to the Queensland Government, to reinvest in infrastructure for all Queenslanders, by up to $500 million.

"Our company members are ready and willing to supply the metallurgical coal Japanese steel makers needs.  Aurizon’s decision to introduce new maintenance arrangements in the Central Queensland Coal Network, that it says will reduce movement of up to 20 million tonnes of coal per annum."

Background

In February, Aurizon announced it would change its maintenance program and that conceded this would impact on the movement of up to 20 million tonnes of coal each year.

Aurizon’s announcement followed the draft decision of the independent Queensland Competition Authority for the operation of the Central Queensland Coal Network.  The final decision is due by QCA at the end of the year.

Instead of waiting for the QCA’s final decision, Aurizon decided to cut train movements for coal.  The Blackwater system, which connects mines such as Rolleston and Minerva to Gladstone, including part of the North Coast Line between Parana and Rocklands, has already been severely impacted.

Link to Aurizon CEO Andrew Harding’s presentation to Coal Investment Seminar presented by Japan Oil, Gas and Metals National Corporation in Tokyo on 26 April

Aurizon announced on 30 April confirming it had referred the QCA Draft Determination to the Supreme Court of Queensland for Judicial Review.

www.qrc.org.au

ends

VICTORIAN Chamber of Commerce and Industry chief executive Mark Stone has congratulated newly elected Lord Mayor Sally Capp on her win in the City of Melbourne by-election.

Mr Stone said the interests of business had featured strongly in the by-election campaign so it was no surprise that a pro-business candidate could capture the support of so many voters.
 
“Ms Capp is well-known to the business community through her previous senior roles with the Property Council of Victoria and the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
 
“Melbourne’s business community will be looking to Ms Capp’s leadership to keep Melbourne a prosperous place to do business and a great place to live, work and visit,” Mr Stone said.
 
There are 16,000 businesses employing more than 450,000 people within the City of Melbourne area.
 
About the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry

The Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, established in 1851, is the most influential business organisation in Victoria, informing and servicing more than 15,000 members, customers and clients around the state.

www.victorianchamber.com.au

ends