Queensland election: All-out assault on Greens a bridge too far for resources giants

BHP and Origin Energy suspend their membership of the Queensland Resources Council in protest against its aggressive targeting of the Greens.

Greens MP Michael Berkman says his party’s policy terrifies the mining industry. Picture: Glenn Hunt

BHP and Origin Energy have suspended their membership of the Queensland Resources Council in protest against its aggressive targeting of the Greens in the state election campaign.

The move came after the QRC, the peak body for the mining ­industry in Queensland, revealed it would be running a “put Greens last” campaign in inner-city ­Brisbane where the party has its best chance of picking up more seats than the one currently held.

While BHP and Origin are the only resources companies to have given the QRC notice of their ­intentions, other businesses are believed to be considering their position because of the ­campaign.

The QRC campaign includes a billboard on Brisbane’s Story Bridge urging motorists to “Vote Greens last” and will also involve a targeted letterbox drop in inner-city electorates over the next few weeks.

Under Greens policy, mining companies would pay royalties of up to five times higher than they are now, rising from a projected $18bn over the next four years to $73bn.

But some mining companies, conscious of their public image, do not wish to be associated with any direct political lobbying. While the Greens are unlikely to form government, it is possible that their support may be necessary in the event of a hung parliament, and the QRC is concerned that the price of this support may be at least partial adoption of some of the party’s policies.

The Greens hold the seat of Maiwar in the inner west, but are hopeful of beating former deputy premier Jackie Trad in South Brisbane and are also confident about the northern seat of ­Cooper.

Mining is shaping as a major issue in the election, with New Hope, the developer of the Acland mine on the Darling Downs, ­running a campaign in marginal seats in central and north ­Queensland in support of the ­project.

BHP said in a statement it was suspending its membership after “a decision by the QRC to ­undertake advertising that specifically targets the overall standing of one political party during the current Queensland election campaign”.

“BHP has expressed to the QRC on several occasions its ­opposition to this advertising ­approach and had formally ­requested that it be withdrawn. Unfortunately, this has not ­occurred.”

A spokesman for Origin ­Energy said “the campaign around the Queensland election oversteps a clear boundary between policy and politics and we do not endorse this activity”.

“Origin expressed concerns about the campaign directly to the QRC, and we have since communicated our decision to suspend our membership.”

QRC president Brent Gunther said the campaign was consistent with those previously run by ­mining organisations in other states.

“The QRC has made a decision in relation to the anti-jobs policies of the Greens that is in the best interests of Queensland mining and gas members, and the 372,000 people and 14,400 businesses who rely on the resources sector for their livelihoods,” he said.

“The resources industry will continue to support the economy and jobs of Queenslanders despite the Greens wanting to shut the industry down. The current situation is so dire the QRC has to stand up for its industry, particularly people in regional areas.”

Greens MP Michael Berkman said the Greens policy terrified the mining industry.

“Like rats off a sinking ship, BHP and Origin have split from the QRC’s nasty attack on the Greens because they know the vast majority of Queenslanders support our plan to raise royalties on mining corporations,” he said.

“The Greens terrify the QRC because if we win, multinational mining corporations will have to pay more in royalties so we can invest in jobs, health and education.

“The ultimate question for this election is who benefits from Queensland’s enormous mineral wealth. The Greens are the only party who have proposed raising mining royalties so every Queenslander can benefit, so it’s no surprise the QRC has had a little meltdown.”