Labor will rue mine meddling

THE issue of the proposed Adani Carmichael coal mine has now engulfed the Labor Party ahead of a looming federal election and leader Bill Shorten and Members of Parliament, like Cathy O’toole, have no one to blame but the Queensland State Government.

The Construction, Forestry, Maritime, Mining and Energy Union issued a harsh warning to Mr Shorten and his candidates across Queensland saying should they not pledge support for the coalmining industry, including Adani, the union could actively campaign against them.

The move came after an outsourced review, ordered by the State

Government, slammed Adani’s plans to protect the black-throated finch.

The move creates a huge wedge in Labor at a time when Mr Shorten is trying to drive home the message that his party is unlike the Coalition with its infighting and backstabbing, united.

It demonstrates a massive divide between the workers and the greenies — a divide that could tear the Labor Party in two.

No one should be more concerned than the Labor Member for Herbert Cathy O’toole, who won the last election by just 37 votes and who is going up against a formidable LNP candidate and veteran Phillip Thompson.

Ms O’toole and Mr Shorten are taking nothing for granted in Herbert and even if there was a nationwide swing against the Coalition, they know there are no guarantees in North Queensland.

What Ms O’toole and Mr Shorten need to maintain the North’s faith is for Adani’s Carmichael mine to break ground.

In order for it to do that the State Government needs to stop changing the goalposts.

Ms O’toole also needs for her state counterparts in North Queensland to deliver a powerful message to Brisbane that their electorates are furious about the State Government-led sabotage of this job providing project.

The time for sitting on the fence regarding Adani and the coal industry is over.

If the intensive anti-adani campaign is successful due to weak-kneed Brisbane politicians, both State and Federal governments should be aware of the potential impact on other mining projects.

North Queenslanders need a thriving resources sector. Australia needs a thriving resources sector.

Those who do not support jobs for North Queenslanders should be on notice that there is no place for them as our elected leaders.