Anne Ruston (SA, Liberal Party, Minister for Families and Social Services) Share this | Hansard source

A very important part of our resources sector is our coalmining sector. Australia is the largest exporter of metallurgical coal and the second-largest exporter of thermal coal. It brings $70 billion to the Australian economy and $6 billion in royalties. That $6 billion pays for schools, hospitals and roads.

I'd like to take the opportunity to fact check the Greens today. This morning the ABC confirmed that there are in fact more people working in the coal industry than as baristas. The fact is that there are 16,700 full-time baristas in Australia whereas the coal industry employs in excess of 50,000 people. Those 50,000 people happen to be in the home state not only of Senator McDonald, who asked the question, but also of Senator Waters, who is also a Queensland senator. Let's not forget that $2 billion— (Time expired)