The chair of the parliamentary inquiry into fly-in fly-out mining workers has come under fire from the Opposition for a comment he made hitting out against mining companies.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The LNP seized on Labor Member for Mirani Jim Pearce's comments regarding coal mining.
While attempting to criticise the LNP policy when it came to coal mining, he attacked the companies themselves, providing the opposition with ammunition.
"Government ... must be on the backs of mining companies to ensure they provide real protection for the environment, they provide real jobs and they persist with the requirement to restore the resource sector community licence to operate," he said on Tuesday.
"... I am concerned that at this time in the history of coal mining in Queensland, I am unable with confidence to point to any mining company that deserves the right to mine. It is a shambles at the moment."
The Queensland Resources Council expressed concerns about what it called Mr Pearce's "unjustified attack" on mining companies.
And Mining Minister Anthony Lynham was forced to defend Mr Pearce in parliament on Wednesday, shortly after announcing an inquiry into FIFO workers, which the Member for Mirani will lead.
"The member for Mirani has shared his concerns with us all through his speech as an independent member of that fine electorate," Dr Lynham said, before employing a favoured tactic of governments and attempting to turn the question on the Opposition.
"I remind those opposite what happened when another member tried to stick up for his electorate - Dr Chris Davis, remind those opposite ..."
A point of order interrupted the counter-attack.
But Mr Pearce wasn't the only Labor MP providing the LNP with fuel for its fire.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk was also forced during question time to defend comments she had made earlier in the day, regarding domestic violence.
KAP MP Robbie Katter spoke on Wednesday morning about the domestic violence allegations against Billy Gordon, highlighting his background.
"A lot of that is rife through Aboriginal communities and here is the big news flash - Billy Gordon grew up in a predominatly Aboriginal community," the Mount Isa MP told the ABC.
"I think it's hard not to take that into consideration."
While announcing $1.5 million in funding for a domestic violence help line, Ms Palaszczuk was asked her opinion on Mr Katter's comments.
"Domestic violence is simply unacceptable," she said.
"Simply unacceptable.
"What we do know is that sometimes background circumstances do need to be taken into account and as a government, I think we do need to focus on these areas.
"There are issues with the multi-cultural community as well, we need to make sure that we have interpreters, that women know that they can feel safe."
It led to Opposition Leader Lawrence Springborg asking Ms Palaszczuk what "background circumstances" she was referring to.
After speaking about government policy, Ms Palaszczuk also turned to counter-attacking the Opposition over its position.
"What are the suggestions from those opposite," she said.
"Where are the suggestions from those opposite about what particular recommendations they would like to see the government implement as part of Quentin Bryce's landmark report?
"I have raised this issue at the national level. I have raised this issue on the national stage at COAG. I am yet to hear from the opposition about that."
Parliament continues on Thursday.
