It’s been eight years since Scott Morrison rocked up to parliamentary question time holding a lump of coal. It was supplied by the Minerals Council – the fact the then-treasurer took part in the stunt was a testament to the power the coal industry had in Canberra.
Fast-forward to the 2025 election, and it has become more roundabout in its lobbying efforts. But make no mistake: coal is back, baby. At least if Whitehaven, New Hope and Bowen have anything to do with it.
