Labor’s disdain for the coal sector was on full display yesterday when its Senators voted against a motion which recognises the importance of coal-fired power stations in providing reliable and affordable energy around the world.

 

Minister for Resources Matthew Canavan said Labor Senators formally voted against recognising the importance of coal jobs in regional Australia and construction of new rail infrastructure linking coal regions to ports.

 

“The hypocrisy is breathtaking – just yesterday, a spokesperson for the Palaszczuk Government said the mining sector had enjoyed the support of successive Labor Governments and would continue to do so. Just last week, the Queensland Coordinator General ticked off on the multi-billion dollar China Stone Coal project in the Galilee Basin.

 

“That must be fastbreaking news to Queensland Labor Senators Murray Watt, Anthony Chisholm, Chris Ketter and Claire Moore – all of whom voted against sending a strong message of support for our coal sector.

 

“What is even more astounding is that the motion was fact-based, outlining the importance of coal fired power stations around the world and that more are under construction. Nothing controversial, nothing inflammatory – just pure fact – which Labor couldn’t bear to support.

 

“The motion narrowly passed, endorsing the Coalition’s belief that affordable, reliable energy is critical to households and industries here and around the world.”

 

Minister Canavan said the International Energy Agency had recently forecast Australia’s net exports of coal would grow by around 20 per cent, to around 430 mtce, by 2040. Australia was also the only exporting coal producer projected to significantly ramp up coal production over the same period.

 

“The IEA report also flagged the development of new coal basins in Australia like the Galilee Basin on the back of increased demand for coal and the need for new ports and other transport infrastructure to be developed,” he said.

 

“The Coalition believes there is a future for coal, and a future for coal jobs in this nation, particularly in central and north Queensland. The same cannot be said for Labor, which chooses to chase Green support rather than blue collar support. 

 

“Just last month Bill Shorten said ‘coal will be part of our energy and export mix going forward’ but the actions of Labor Senators yesterday, particularly those from Queensland, proves how false those words are.

 

“Labor is now officially opposed to not just coal-fired power, but to Australian coal exports and the thousands of jobs that rely on them.”