Katter’s Australian Party Leader and Member for Traeger, Robbie Katter, is calling on the Queensland Government to establish a Parliamentary Inquiry into the impact of FIFO employment, specifically in regional and rural communities.

Robbie Katter, said, “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.

“You can expect to see school enrolments stall and instability amongst 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.”

Most recently, Glencore Australia has proposed a new 7-Day Roster which will take over from the current 4-Days on, 4-Days off model. Glencore says they aim to improve productivity in the Mount Isa Copper Operations.

Mr Katter said, “I am disappointed to see Glencore adopt FIFO arrangements that will severely impact the entire community and local economy of Mount Isa.

“The current legislation that regulates FIFO and DIDO work is practically useless, we urgently need an inquiry to reconsider the current legislation and seek out a more practical solution that benefits both the mining sector and the communities FIFO work takes place in.”

This latest move by Glencore has to be called out for putting their commercial interests ahead of that of the town. I understand the difficulties being experienced by all mines with critical labour shortages following the pandemic, but this decision comes at a long-term social cost.

There might be some locals that prefer this roster, but the fact remains that this presents too much opportunity for mine workers to base themselves outside this region and take our jobs while living in the city.

On this basis, I will always fight against these moves.