Federal Election 2022: Hunter voters torn between coal and party loyalties

For the Hunter Valley, any divorce from coal would be much more than just a sentimental or political issue, writes Tim Blair.

Deep into a very active retirement, Wayne takes his ease in a chair at Rod’s Barber Shop in Kurri Kurri’s main street.

As she trims his hair, staffer Jody engages in friendly combat with her elderly customer. She’s a Clive Palmer fan: “UAP all the way.”

But Wayne is Labor to his core. “We’re a Labor family. I joined the boilermakers’ union at 15. I was a union delegate at 22,” he explains.

The barbershop battles between Jody and Wayne are affectionate. Both enjoy trading barbs.

But when modern Labor’s attitude towards coal is raised, Wayne abruptly becomes so emotional that the rest of the shop falls respectfully silent.

“I’m torn,” he says, and he clearly means it. “I worked in the coal mines for 27 and a half years. My father was killed in a coal mine.

“But coal kept my family going. It kept the community together.

“And I don’t want to deny people a living working in the coal mines.”

Hairdresser Jody from Rods Barber Shop. Picture: David Swift.

At the same time, Wayne is not dismissive of climate change. It’s just that the Labor Party of his entire working life is now a very different party.

For the entire Hunter Valley, including Kurri Kurri’s Paterson electorate, any divorce from coal would be much more than just a sentimental or political issue.

Coal mining royalties from the Hunter were $727 million in 2019/20, up from an average of $280 million per financial year from 2003 to 2008.

Coal remains the biggest game in town.

Rosa Grine, proprietor of Kurri Kurri’s Happy Chicken restaurant and campaign volunteer for sitting Labor member Meryl Swanson, has a sister who drives trucks for the coal mines.

“She’s asking if I know anyone who wants a job,” Rosa reports. “They’re hiring.”

These are no small assignments. Average full-time wages in mining were nearly $145,000 in 2021.

Courtney Quinton from Scotts Meats in Kurri Kurri. Picture: David Swift.

That sort of cash generates a lot of economic energy. The dry-aged tomahawk steak currently residing in my hotel fridge cost $42.11, courtesy of Scott’s Hunter Prime Butchery.

Locals refer to their substantial properties as “coalcastles”.

Butcher shop owner Courtney Quinton isn’t worried about the election result. Nor is he concerned about climate independents running in Sydney’s northern beaches and eastern suburbs.

“Sounds like a Sea Eagles-Roosters kind of thing,” he said.

Pre-Polling Volunteers Peter Clarke (United Australia), Sonia Bailey (Liberal Democrat), Harry Slide (Liberal) and Rosa Grine (Labor). Picture: David Swift.

Unsurprisingly, they’re a little more politically engaged at the local pre-polling place just off Lang St, but the atmosphere isn’t hostile.

Liberal volunteer Harry Slade mixes happily with his Labor counterpart Rosa, United Australia volunteer Peter Clarke and Liberal Democrats candidate Sonia Bailey.

When I call for a group hug, all of them jump in without hesitation. They’re locals first and political rivals second.

So not everybody is giving two fingers to this election.

In fact, some can’t. When I offer to help an older chap unload his SUV at the hotel, he dismisses the invitation.

“I’m a timber man,” he says proudly, presenting his right hand as evidence. It’s a couple of digits shy.

Originally published as Federal Election 2022: Hunter voters torn between coal and party loyalties