Premier Crisafulli Defends Coal Royalties, Vows Not to Break Election Promises

Queensland Premier David Crisafulli has declared he will not break election promises despite mounting pressure from mining companies who claim “unsustainable” coal royalties are forcing job cuts. Delivering his first State of the State address, the Premier insisted Queensland remains “open for business,” but stressed that investment must align with the state’s long-term values and interests. “We are not interested in fair-weather friends who come running for the dollars when things are good and then abandon Queenslanders in the name of shareholder interests,” Mr Crisafulli said. He added th

Queensland Premier David Crisafulli has declared he will not break election promises despite mounting pressure from mining companies who claim “unsustainable” coal royalties are forcing job cuts. Delivering his first State of the State address, the Premier insisted Queensland remains “open for business,” but stressed that investment must align with the state’s long-term values and interests. “We are not interested in fair-weather friends who come running for the dollars when things are good and then abandon Queenslanders in the name of shareholder interests,” Mr Crisafulli said. He added that while the government is prepared to listen to industry concerns, the priority remains protecting Queenslanders and the state’s future prosperity. “When I say we are open for business, it also means we are open to suggestions on how we can improve the investment environment here in Queensland,” he said. The comments come as major mining companies intensify lobbying efforts against coal royalty hikes, warning of reduced competitiveness and job losses across the resources sector. Crisafulli’s firm stance signals his government will not back down from policies aimed at ensuring Queenslanders share in the benefits of the state’s rich natural resources, even amid industry pushback.