Shocking amount Greens’ coal ban would cost Queensland

Shocking new Morrison Government analysis has revealed the astounding cost of any ban on new coal and gas projects in Queensland, with 66 projects in the state at risk, at the cost of billions of dollars and tens of thousands of jobs.

A ban on new coal and gas projects would put 53,000 jobs and a whopping $85 billion in investment at risk in Queensland alone, with central regions copping the brunt, according to shocking new analysis.

There are 66 projects in the state, including at Clermont, Moranbah, Emerald and Rockhampton, which risk ending up on the scrap heap after the election if a proposed ban goes ahead the Federal Government says.

The Greens have revealed they will demand Labor sign up to a six-month ban on new coal oil and gas projects in return for their support in the event of a hung parliament – but the minor party’s official policy is for an immediate ban.

Greens leader Adam Bandt says a six-month ban on new coal and gas projects will be on the table if Labor wants to form a minority government with them. Photographer: Liam Kidston.

Opposition leader Anthony Albanese has repeatedly said he will not do a deal with the Greens, and this week said he won’t “negotiate with fringe groups”.

Greens leader Adam Bandt said the government wanted to “cook Queenslanders” and would put 60,000 tourism jobs on the Great Barrier Reef at risk.

Morrison Government modelling – based on projects already in the pipeline – shows there are 31,000 construction jobs and 22,000 ongoing jobs that would be at risk if a permanent ban went ahead.

Resources Minister Keith Pitt said that the industry raised $35 billion in royalties and taxes last year.

“Anthony Albanese and his mate Adam Bandt have to be upfront with Australians about which pensioners, schools, hospitals and other important recipients will lose funding under this proposed deal between Labor and The Greens,” he said.

“Along with the loss of thousands of regionals jobs, this will be the real cost of each-way Albo’s arrangement with The Greens for Labor to form government.”

Mr Albanese has consistently said he will not deal with minor parties.

He has also said a Labor Government will not seek to prematurely close coal mines and new applications will be considered based on environmental approvals and commercial factors, while exports would be determined by global demand.

Resources Minister Keith Pitt says a ban on new coal and gas projects could cost up to 53,000 Queensland jobs. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Gary Ramage

This week Mr Albanese told a Labor caucus meeting that there would be no deal with the Greens.

“If we win government, we will implement our own plan, not negotiate with fringe groups,” he said.

“This is just a con for the Greens to talk themselves up.

“This is a complete distraction to make people think the Greens are more important than they are.”

Greens leader Adam Bandt said on Tuesday the Opposition leader’s position may change if the election delivers a minority government.

“Everyone has got to respect the Australian people, and if the people choose a parliament where no one has a majority then we’ve got an obligation to work together,” he said.

Mr Bandt said the government’s continued support for coal and gas “cook Queenslanders”.

“Keith Pitt wants to boil Queenslanders by increasing the temperature to the point where so many parts of it become unlivable and the reef dies,” he said.

“Keith Pitt does not care about the 60,000 jobs that are dependent on a healthy Great Barrier Reef.”