The LNP government has not repealed one of the hundreds of repugnant, anti-human policies of its socialist Labor predecessors, least of all the world’s highest coal royalties
More than 10,000 people have now taken the time to tell the Queensland government that coal royalties are strangling the regions that gave government to the LNP, the KAP leader, Robbie Katter has said.
The Mackay-based Resource Industry Network (RIN) petition and website have garnered more than 10,200 signatures, calling for a fairer royalty regime, so that small and medium businesses contracted to support the mines can stay in business.
“This isn’t the big end of town looking for concessions. These are mum and dad operations who service the mining industry waving the red flag – things aren’t looking good,” The leader of the KAP said.
“While the mines tighten their belt and seek payment plans* for their royalty bill in record high numbers, the first contracts to drop off are the service industries – the local training organisations, the diesel fitters, the mechanics.
“Make no mistake, shiny baubles and distraction tactics from the Premier and his mines minister do not underpin what is our largest export commodity export. It’s on shaky ground and all Queenslanders should be worried.”
Since the developed world’s highest royalties were imposed on Queensland mines, global demand for coal has increased 4%, yet Queensland coal exports have decreased 2%.
“You only get one shot at this stuff,” Mr. Katter said.
“Customers in Asia have been buying a constant supply of quality Queensland coal for decades, and if they are forced to look elsewhere, they won’t be back.
“The KAP have ambitions for a strong Queensland coal industry that supports small business in the regions, not to see the lights turned out on our biggest export commodity.
“The LNP government have the leavers, and it’s high time they decide if they are going to chase green votes in Brisbane and side with Labor, or if they really do want to govern for the regions.
“All I can see from where I stand is a government too scared to make a decision to save regional communities and our export industries and would rather obfuscate and distract voters with shiny media headlines,” the KAP Leader said.
https://documents.parliament.qld.gov.au/tableoffice/questionsanswers/2026/932-2026.pdf