State KAP Leader and Traeger MP Robbie Katter has called on the Queensland Attorney-General to ensure all former employees of the failed Rocklands Copper Mine are paid their dues.
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The non-payment of staff at Rocklands, 15km west of Cloncurry first became an issue late last year when it was owned and operated by troubled Brisbane-based miner CuDeco,
The operation was suspended in December, and CuDeco formally went into receivership in July this year.
Mr Katter said dozens of former Rocklands employees remained unpaid, and were owed vast sums of money in superannuation, long service leave, annual leave and actual wages.
On Wednesday he wrote to Attorney-General Yvette D'Ath asking it be made a government priority.
"I understand the receivership process (with CuDeco) is well underway, with brokerage house Argonaut now seeking to recapitalise on to CuDeco's assets; this includes Rocklands Mine and another three mining leases," Mr Katter said in his letter.
"However my main concern, and my reason for writing to you, is the non-payment of dozens of former Rockland employees since the suspension of operations last year."
Mr Katter said his office was aware many employees who were stood down in December are still owed superannuation, long service leave and annual leave payments, while others who have remained on the books are still due to be paid actual wages.
"We are seeking your assistance in ensuring this matter is not ignored, and is reasonably and fairly addressed in favour of the workers who have been negatively impacted through no fault of their own" he told the A-G.
Mr Katter said it was unacceptable that former hardworking staff, especially with the possibility the mine could re-open under a new owner.
Federal Member for Kennedy Bob Katter's office had also taken the matter up with the Federal Government "but so far the calls for help have fallen on deaf ears".
The North West Star has contacted the Attorney-General's office which says it has forwarded the matter to the Minister for Industrial Relations' office.
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Derek Barry
Editor of the North West Star Mount Isa since January 2016. Prior to that, an editor at several regional southern Queensland newspapers. Passionate about telling local stories. Comes with a strange accent to due an Irish accident of birth.
Editor of the North West Star Mount Isa since January 2016. Prior to that, an editor at several regional southern Queensland newspapers. Passionate about telling local stories. Comes with a strange accent to due an Irish accident of birth.
