FIFO review backs Act
FRESH calls for an inquiry into fly-in, fly-out employees has come as the state government is primed to release a review into the legislation banning 100 per cent FIFO workforces.
A review into the Strong and Sustainable Resource Communities Act 2017 has found since the legislation was introduced, the percentage of local workers increased on large resource projects, and there were no complaints regarding discrimination of locals received by the Queensland Human Rights Commission.
This comes as Katter’s Australian Party leader Robbie Katter called for an urgent parliamentary inquiry into the impact of fly-in, fly-out (FIFO) workers on regional communities, saying the legislation was “practically useless”.
However, Deputy Premier and State Development Minister Steven Miles said the review found the legislation was on track to create more local jobs and economic growth in regional communities.
Mr Miles said the purpose of the legislation was to ensure that regional communities benefited.
“The review focused on assessing the key elements of the Act – prohibition of 100 per cent FIFO workforces and fair job access for locals,” Mr Miles said.
“It found the legislative ban on 100 per cent FIFO workforces has so far been successfully applied to 71 large resource projects.
“Stakeholders have reported that positive benefits are already flowing to local communities thanks to the 100 per cent FIFO prohibition and there have been no complaints of employment discrimination.”
The review into the legislation came up with four recommendations – to retain the act; to review the effectiveness of the social impact assessment provisions in the act as it was deemed too soon to do this effectively; to implement collaborative data collection; and improve awareness and understanding of the anti-discrimination provisions by the resource communities.
Resources Minister Scott Stewart said the review was based on extensive engagement with stakeholders directly affected by the legislation.
Mr Katter called for the inquiry following Glencore’s decision to move to a week-on, week-off roster instead of the four-on, four-off currently used at the Mount Isa Mine.
The Traeger MP said the change could negatively affect the region’s economy, with more people opting to be FIFO workers.
“Now is the time to establish a parliamentary inquiry into fly-in, fly-out employment. It has been over a decade since anyone bothered to look thoroughly into the impacts of FIFO work,” Mr Katter said.
“You can expect to see school enrolments stall and instability among the small business community.
“Traditionally, Mount Isa Mines has drawn workers to settle and raise families in our community which creates a positive ripple effect for our local economy and social engagement.”