Senate debates

Thursday, 4 February 2021

Questions without Notice

Mining Industry

2:56 pm

Photo of Anne RustonAnne Ruston (SA, Liberal Party, Minister for Families and Social Services) Share this | Hansard source

Clearly a secure and stable coal industry is something that's going to support regional Queensland. It supports regional Australia. It is absolutely critical in job creation and economic prosperity, particularly in rural and regional Australia.

Unfortunately, the case of this particular mine site, the New Acland Mine, highlights that Labor is particularly erratic when it comes to any commentary it makes about the resources sector. Those opposite need to stand up for the resources sector, and I thank those of them that do. They talk the talk but they do not walk the walk. What we need is a united and demonstrated fight for the people who live in our rural and regional areas who need the jobs that are created by projects such as this. They need to stop walking both sides of the street. You can't have one policy for inner-city suburbs and a different policy when you actually get out there in the regions, where these jobs really matter. The livelihoods of individuals really matter.

Senator Watt interjecting—

Yes, I've been there, Senator Watt.

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