PERTH (miningweekly.com) – Workers union CFMEU has urged community members in central Queensland to attend public hearings and to speak out about the impact of fly-in, fly-out (Fifo), as the state Parliament kicked off its public hearings into the practice.

The Queensland government earlier this year announced it would conduct an inquiry into Fifo practices in the state, after newly elected Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk launched plans to legislate against projects only making use of a Fifo workforce.

CFMEU mining and energy Queensland president Steve Smyth said that recent retrenchments at North Goonyella coal mine highlighted the urgency of ending 100% compulsory Fifo arrangements.

“More job losses mean hundreds more skilled local mineworkers in central Queensland will soon be looking for work and unable to apply for a position at nearby 100% compulsory Fifo mines.”

“The compulsory Fifo arrangements at Daunia and Caval Ridge discriminate against local workers who must move to the big cities if they want to apply for a job. In many regional towns we have seen whole families forced to move away to look for work elsewhere.

“This has hurt our tight knit regional communities and local businesses. We have already seen devastating social and economic damage.”

Smyth noted that compulsory arrangements also meant workers were locked into the Fifo lifestyle and were not able to move locally with their families if their circumstances change.

“These hearings are a real chance for local people to have their voices heard and we are encouraging everyone to attend regardless of whether or not they made a submission to the inquiry.

“We are confident that these public hearings will further shine a light on the urgency of ending 100% compulsory Fifo in Queensland.”

Hearings will be held in Mackay, Moranbah, Dysart, Middlemount, Emerald, Blackwater, Moura, Gladstone and Rockhampton.