"Queensland miners deserve 100% support from the Opposition."– DLP Senate Team Leader Tony Zegenhagen
Queensland’s DLP Senate team leader Tony Zegenhagen has expressed disappointment that Opposition Leader Tony Abbott has “refused to commit to a position in parliament until he saw the legislation” (quoting Matthew Franklin, writing in the Australian of 4 May 2010) .
“The DLP has a very clear position on this vital issue,” said Tony Zegenhagen. “We are absolutely and unreservedly committed to fight this irresponsible proposal which threatens the security of every mining job in Queensland. The miners of Queensland can depend on 100% support from the DLP.”
"Queensland miners also deserve 100% support from the Opposition."
“The boards of mining companies around the world are assessing how much of their capital and expertise they will transfer out of Queensland and out of the rest of Australia. Lack of certainty on the part of the Opposition is costing Queensland dearly, right now.”
“I invite Tony Abbott to come to Queensland immediately to join me in meeting miners in the coal industry, and miners who are winning copper, lead, zinc and gold. I want him to learn that these hardworking people and their families deserve not just job security, but also the prospect of improving pay and conditions as the profitability of their industry increases. I want Tony Abbott to understand that the future of the mining industry is absolutely fundamental to the prosperity of Queensland.”
“And if Tony Abbott comes to Queensland as he should, he’ll learn from the workers of Queensland how they feel about the State Government’s plan to sell off QRail.”
Mr Zegenhagen concluded: “Tony, I really want you to understand that every day you delay making a commitment to defending the mining industry, is a day of punishing miners through investment decisions which will not be reversible when you finally make up your mind.”
