Opposition leader David Crisafulli won’t confirm whether he will continue the state’s coal royalty regime

Opposition Leader David Crisafulli says voters will find out whether he plans to continue the state’s controversial mining royalties regime before going to the polls.

Opposition Leader David Crisafulli says Queensland voters will find out whether he plans to continue with the state’s controversial mining royalties regime before going to the polls in October.

Mr Crisafulli was asked multiple times on Wednesday whether he would dump the plan, which pumped more than $15bn into Queensland’s coffers in the past financial year.

“It was a bad plan. It was a dishonest plan. It broke the trust of the industry – but it’s been tied to the four-year forwards,” he said – meaning the scheme would remain until at least mid-2027.

“So I’m not going to be irresponsible – it’s baked in for the forwards.”

But Mr Crisafulli said voters would need to wait for his long term tax plan – pledging it would be released sometime ahead of the next election.

Leader of the Opposition David Crisafulli, Parliament House, Brisbane. Picture: Liam Kidston

“I’ve been very, very clear headed into the next election. We are going to have a detailed tax plan,” he said.

“That is fair and reasonable for us as an opposition.

“I think giving you four years is a pretty reasonable and upfront thing for an opposition to do, and we will. Ahead of the next election, people will know our tax plan.”

Treasurer Cameron Dick took a swipe at the Queensland Resources Council on Wednesday and personally singled out boss Ian Macfarlane, as well as accusing the LNP of planning to cut the scheme.

“There have never been more jobs in the coal industry — exactly one year after we introduced new progressive coal royalties,” he told parliament.

“Not withstanding a false and misleading $40 million campaign by Ian Macfarlane, the Queensland Resources Council and their fellow travellers in the LNP, these progressive coal royalties have had no impact on jobs, investment and Queensland’s reputation.

Queensland Resources Council Chief Executive Ian Macfarlane.

“When it comes (Mr Crisafulli) … there is nothing they will not do for the mining lobby. When they get into government their paymasters will expect a return.

“Some $7bn in cuts will rain down on Queenslanders. They will cut billions of dollars from our infrastructure big spend.

“Only the Palaszczuk Labor government will protect progressive coal royalties and stop LNP cuts raining down on Queensland.”

Mr Crisafulli said he would not be spooked by a “scare campaign” over the issue – saying it was the government’s dishonesty over introducing the scheme which had hurt the sector.

“On 26 occasions that there wouldn’t be any new or increased taxes,” he said.

“Now I’ve said, to our largest miners to our dear friends in Japan, the investors who invest here, what I’ve said to them is when we make promises in the future, they will be able to count for something.”