September 28, 2016
Former Member for Groom – and Kingaroy peanut grower – Ian Macfarlane has been appointed chief executive of the Queensland Resources Council.
The QRC is the peak industry association that represents the companies working in Queensland’s mining and energy sector.
The appointment was welcomed by State Mines Minister Dr Anthony Lynham, but criticised by Greens Senators Larissa Waters and Lee Rhiannon.
Dr Lynham said Mr Macfarlane would bring a wealth of experience to the QRC.
“Ian has long been a champion for the resources sector and understands the important role the industry plays in the Queensland economy,” Dr Lynham said.
“As the Palaszczuk Government works to diversify our economy and increase our uptake of renewables, the resources industry will continue to play an important role in this transition.
“Ian will bring a wealth of knowledge to the QRC and as a former Federal Minister for Resources brings with him a great depth of experience in natural resources and the mining sector.
“I look forward to working with him in his new role.”
However, Senator Rhiannon criticised the “revolving door” between “the political class and the mining and resources sector”.
“There is a perception in parts of the community that the mining and resources sector and mining-friendly governments are one and the same. Ministers provide a secure framework, grants and subsidies for the fossil fuel industry and in exchange expect jobs upon retirement,” she said.
Mr Macfarlane did not re-contest Groom at the recent Federal Election after the State Executive of the LNP blocked a move by him to caucus with the National Party in Canberra instead of the Liberal Party after he was dumped by Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull.
The former president of the Queensland Grain Growers Association had held the seat since 1998.
In a speech to Parliament on May 4 – highlighted by the two Greens Senators this week – former PM Tony Abbott praised Mr Macfarlane: “(He) was the Resources Minister who scrapped the mining tax. This was the job-destroying, investment-killing tax which did not raise any revenue. It was a magnificent achievement by the member for Groom in his time as Minister reborn, as it were. I hope this sector will acknowledge and demonstrate their gratitude to him in his years of retirement from this place.”
