Robbie Katter calls for another Powerlink removal over CopperString

Traeger MP Robbie Katter has once again called for the stand down of a senior executive at Powerlink, saying that concerns across the north about premier project CopperString continue to mount.

Chief Executive Officer of Powerlink Paul Simshauser at the official opening of the CopperString Experience Centre. Picture: Shae Beplate.

Traeger MP Robbie Katter has demanded senior executives at the head of one of the north’s most vital power projects be stood down by the state government, saying that faith in the project’s governance has fallen.

The demand to oust Powerlink Board Chair Kathy Hirschfield comes just weeks after Mr Katter previously called for Powerlink CEO Paul Simshauer to be sacked after he controversially told the Australian Financial Review that the plans for CopperString should be altered to prioritise development in Townsville, rather than halfway between the city and Mount Isa.

The Katter’s Australian Party leader stood in Queensland Parliament on Wednesday and called on Treasurer and Energy Minister David Janetzki to once again stand down Simshauer, and to remove Hirschfield from her position.

“The Powerlink chair and CEO were given a shovel-ready CopperString project two years ago, and despite a commitment from the Premier, not a single transmission tower is up,” Mr Katter said.

“With questions raised around the independence of board chair Kathy Hirschfield and today Harmony Gold stating that project delays related to CopperString risked billions in investment, in light of this, will the treasurer immediately remove CEO Paul Simshauser and board chair Kathy Hirschfield?”

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - NewsWire Photos - DECEMBER 10, 2024: The Leader of the Katter Australia Party Robbie Katter, speaks at a press confrence outside Queensland Parliament. Picture: NewsWire / Glenn Campbell

In response, Treasurer and Energy Minister David Janetzki said the project was ‘very important’ for economic development acros the north.

“On this side of the house, this government will find a way to deliver CopperString, whereas those opposite never, ever would have delivered it,” Mr Janetzki said, but declined to say whether he would remove Mr Simshauser or Ms Hirschfield.

“In respect of any conflicts, I expect the highest standards in respect to corporate governance, and any declarations that ought be made, should be made and then managed appropriately in line with corporate governance standards.”

Chief Executive Officer of Powerlink Paul Simshauser at the official opening of the CopperString Experience Centre. Picture: Shae Beplate.

The CopperString project has attracted significant criticism for cost blowouts prior to the election and after, increasing from $1.8bn in 2021 to a total of $9bn by late 2024.

The project’s price tag had already spiked to $5bn dollars by 2023, when it was acquired by the Queensland state government under Premier Annastacia Palaczczuk, from original founders and owners CuString, then owned and operated by Bob Katter’s brother-in-law and nephew, John and Joseph O’Brien.

A spokesman for Powerlink said the organisation rejected any suggestion there was a conflict of interest.

“We strongly reject any implications of a conflict of interest involving the Powerlink Chair,” he said.

“We remain committed to delivering CopperString in a way that provides value for Queenslanders and their power system requirements.”

Originally published as Robbie Katter calls for another Powerlink removal over CopperString