Industrial relations-related challenges facing the resources industry were downplayed by Federal Resources Minister Madeleine King at CCIWA’s Business Breakfast this morning.
Federal Resources Minister Madeleine King and CCIWA Chief Economist Aaron Morey.
She told business leaders at Crown Perth the criticism amounted to “a bit of hysteria in the resources industry” and bargaining reforms were “working as intended”.
“Bargaining can deliver better paying conditions for workers and better productivity and flexibility for employees and, in WA at least, I suspect the huge demand for labour is having a far bigger impact on company HR departments than red tape and bargaining,” Minister King said.
In a robust Q&A, CCIWA Chief Economist Aaron Morey asked the Minister for assurances about unionisation concerns now that new laws around multi-employer bargaining and intractable bargaining were being utilised by unions.
“Unions aren’t stupid. They understand the economic prosperity of the Pilbara because they are part of it, they get the benefit just like the economy of Western Australia does,” she said.
“We’ve worked together before – government, unions and private industry have done really amazing things for this country, the legacy which we’ve all lived with for many decades, which is the reforms of the Hawke-Keating Government [1983-1996].”
‘Nature Positive’ consultations a balancing act
Minister King was questioned about industry’s concerns around the ‘Nature Positive’ Bill, including establishing a national Environmental Protection Agency, which could make decisions purely on environmental grounds without considering the social and economic benefits of projects.
Morey emphasised the need for transparency with industry around the Bill’s parameters.
“I know there’s been discussions around at the level of consultation and my own view is the more consultation, the better. But at some point, obviously consultation has to end, because we’re not all going to agree on everything,” Minister King said.
“Having the parameters on the table, I can see the point there, too. There is, of course, the ability for the resources industry to wage scare campaigns, as we’ve seen before, years ago and recently.”
She said industry should encourage the Federal Opposition to engage more with the Government to develop legislation and policy that is practical for businesses.
King a ‘strong supporter’ of CCS
The Minister confirmed support for carbon capture technologies, which a recent CCIWA report revealed is an $80 billion opportunity for WA.
“To put it simply, I think we need to mobilise every tool at our disposal to get to net zero. And so in that context, we absolutely need CCS [carbon capture and storage],” she said.
She added that the public needs to be shown how CCS can work effectively.
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