Glenn Lazarus (Queensland, Palmer United Party) Share this | Hansard source

My question is to the Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development, represented by Senator David Johnston. Large-scale projects undertaken in Australia in regional and rural areas should provide genuine opportunities which support and grow local communities. Specifically, they should support local suppliers and local businesses, and provide employment opportunities for local people. Despite this, BHP Billiton Mitsubishi Alliance has established two mining operations in Central Queensland—the Caval Ridge and Daunia mines. With the support of the Abbott government and the Queensland Newman government, BHP is sourcing workers only on a 100 per cent fly-in fly-out basis. Senator Johnson: why are you allowing BHP to hurt local Queensland communities by allowing 100 per cent fly-in fly-out arrangements for these mine sites?