A REVIEW panel commissioned by the Palaszczuk Government, has made a series of recommendations for the future regulation of FIFO work in Queensland.

The recommendations would have a far reaching impact on new resource operations, whether intended to be built or operated using FIFO, or through other work arrangements.

The inquiry and recommendations followed concerns about so called ‘100% FIFO’ arrangements at some Queensland resource operations and pressures from unions and regional communities that jobs in these operations should go to ‘locals’ not FIFO employees.

Responding to the review panel report, AREEA urged the Queensland government to not jeopardise future investment by adopting what are fairly speculative and under considered proposals. AREEA in particular cautioned against imposing additional red tape and penalties.

AREEA has also urged the government to consult with industry prior to taking any action or changing any regulations affecting FIFO work/new projects.

The report of the Queensland review panel is just one of a number of recent inquiries into FIFO work, which also include:

• A further Queensland Parliamentary inquiry (to report on 9 October).

• The WA parliamentary inquiry report on FIFO and mental health, currently under consideration by the Barnett Government (2015).

• The House of Representatives inquiry report Cancer of the bush or salvation for our cities? Fly-in, fly-out and drive-in, drive-out workforce practices in Regional Australia (2013)

Your input

While this is a Queensland report, its recommendations would have a substantial impact if followed in other states and territories.

AREEA therefore urges all members, whether operators, constructors or service providers to examine the recommendations and provide any feedback or views to AREEA to reinforce our ongoing advocacy on these matters.

AREEA would be particularly assisted by members’ assessment of the impact of the recommendations on operations, project construction, and on existing  activities and modes of operation.

In particular we would be interested in views on additional costs and how proposed new compliance obligations might be satisfied.

We would appreciate any feedback on the review panel recommendations by 20 October, to:

• Tristan Menalds, senior industry policy adviser on (03) 9614 4777 or [email protected]
• Scott Barklamb, executive director, policy and public affairs on  (03) 9614 4777 or [email protected]

Next week’s AREEA News Update will provide further information on the Queensland Parliamentary inquiry report if released as planned on 9 October.