House debates

Monday, 22 May 2023

Statements by Members

Coalmining Industry

1:36 pm

Photo of Bob KatterBob Katter (Kennedy, Katter's Australian Party) Share this | | Hansard source

I was going to speak about something else, but I must answer this because I represent the coal industry, which is 200,000 jobs in this country. The CFMMEU in Queensland has just had enough of the rubbish that comes from you people. We've had enough. It's not only from you people but from the people over here as well. There's no in-between. You'll go down your pathway and close the coalmines, unless you're a lying hypocrite, of course—and that's highly possible and probable. We've had discussions with the CFMMEU at the highest level in Queensland. We're not taking it any longer, my friend, so we'll report you and your name to those people.

I want to table a document on the Great Dividing Range Scheme put forward by Sir Leo Hielscher, who with Joh Bjelke-Petersen created the Australian aluminium industry, Queensland's tourism industry and Australia's coal industry—we were a net importer of coal in those years—and doubled copper production, cane production and cattle production. This great man in his late 90s has produced yet again the Bradfield scheme—the great scheme and dream of the Australian people to water inland Australia and provide a wonderful future of opportunity, freedom, hope and excitement.

Photo of Maria VamvakinouMaria Vamvakinou (Calwell, Australian Labor Party) Share this | | Hansard source

The member for Kennedy needs to ask for leave to table his document.

Photo of Bob KatterBob Katter (Kennedy, Katter's Australian Party) Share this | | Hansard source

I seek leave to table this document.

Leave not granted.