Skip to main content

Business News Releases

Jail term imposed in Fair Work Ombudsman’s first contempt of court case

A NORTHERN Queensland business operator has been jailed – and then released pending the outcome of his appeal – as a result of the Fair Work Ombudsman’s first contempt-of-court action.

On Thursday May 10, the Federal Circuit Court sentenced Leigh Alan Jorgensen - the owner-operator of a Cairns company trading as Trek North Tours – to a 12-month jail term and fined him $84,956 for committing contempt of court by contravening a freezing order that applied to funds in his company’s accounts.

The Court ordered that Jorgensen’s jail term be suspended after he had spent 10 days in jail on the condition of payment of the fine.

Mr Jorgensen sought an urgent stay of the orders in the Federal Court and lodged an appeal against his conviction and sentence. In accordance with her model litigant obligations, the Fair Work Ombudsman agreed to the stay on conditions. On May 11, the Federal Court ordered that his sentence be stayed and Mr Jorgensen be released from jail on conditions, pending the outcome of his appeal.

A Court date has not yet been set for the appeal hearing but an order has been made that it be expedited.

The matter is the first time the Fair Work Ombudsman has commenced a contempt of court action and the first time a jail term has been imposed as a result of the Agency’s actions.

Judge Salvatore Vasta imposed the jail term after finding Jorgensen had committed contempt of court when he contravened a freezing order the Fair Work Ombudsman secured against his company in 2015.

Judge Salvatore Vasta imposed the jail term after finding Mr Jorgensen had committed contempt of court when he contravened a freezing order the Fair Work Ombudsman secured against his company in 2015.

Freezing orders were imposed in the Federal Circuit Court in 2015 preventing any dispersion of Jorgensen’s and his company’s assets until such time as they complied with penalty and back-payment orders resulting from the Fair Work Ombudsman taking legal action against them for underpaying five back-packers on 417 working holiday visas in 2013 and 2014.

The relevant orders from that legal action, imposed by the Federal Circuit Court in June 2015, were for Mr Jorgensen to pay a $12,000 penalty and his company to pay a $55,000 penalty and back-pay the backpackers in full, all by July 17, 2015.

The Fair Work Ombudsman took the step of securing freezing orders against both Jorgensen and his company after both failed to pay the amounts owed by the due date and receiving information that gave rise to concerns that Mr Jorgensen would divert company assets to avoid payment of the penalties and back-pay.

At the time, Mr Jorgensen’s communications with the Fair Work Ombudsman suggested he was prepared to ‘bankrupt’ his company to avoid paying the penalties and back-pay order.

Mr Jorgensen had also previously told Fair Work inspectors investigating the underpayments that the backpackers ‘would not get a cent’ in back-pay.

After the freezing orders were imposed, Mr Jorgensen paid the penalty imposed on him personally into Court, resulting in the freezing order against him being lifted.

However, Mr Jorgensen’s company failed to pay its penalty and failed to back-pay the workers, resulting in the freezing order against his company remaining in place.

The Fair Work Ombudsman commenced legal action against Mr Jorgensen for contempt of Court last year, alleging that Mr Jorgensen committed the offence of contempt of court in August 2015 when he contravened the freezing order against his company by transferring a total of $41,035 from two frozen accounts into his family trust account.

Judge Vasta found that the Fair Work Ombudsman had presented evidence to prove, beyond a reasonable doubt, that Mr Jorgensen committed the offence.

Pending the outcome of his appeal, the Federal Court has released Mr Jorgensen on conditions including that he surrender his passport, remain in Queensland and report to Police twice a week.

Fair Work Ombudsman Natalie James says that the commencement of these proceedings demonstrates that her Agency is prepared to use every tool at its disposal to ensure justice is served.

“We will use every lever open to us to ensure the integrity of the administration of justice and compliance with court orders imposed under the Fair Work Act 2009.

“This includes taking unprecedented new actions available to us across the legal framework such as this one.”

Employers and employees seeking assistance can visit www.fairwork.gov.au or contact the Fair Work Infoline on 13 13 94.

An interpreter service is available by calling 13 14 50.

Information on the website includes the Fair Work Ombudsman’s compliance and enforcement policy.

ends

Retailers transforming Mother’s Day for the modern-day mum

THE Australian Retailers Association (ARA) said retailers across Australia are preparing for large crowds this weekend as shoppers enter their doors in search of the perfect Mother’s Day gift this Sunday.

With technology transforming every industry, Russell Zimmerman, executive director of the ARA said mums are more mobile than ever and all Australian’s should take this into account when buying their gift this Mother’s Day.

“Technology is creating new ways for consumers to interact with each other, and retailers are now redesigning their products to align with consumer behaviour and modernising the way they market to their consumers on these special occasions,” Mr Zimmerman said.

“Although the usual Mother’s Day gifts like slippers, perfume and pajamas are still high on the wish list this year, we are seeing retailers push more electronic gifts to suit the needs of the modern-day mum.”

Roy Morgan Research surveyed almost 2,000 mothers in 2015 to find out how they engaged with online activities and found mums are more likely to use their smartphone for life admin rather than pure entertainment.  

With this is in mind, the ARA are seeing retailers across the country stock up on Fitbits and Smart Watches this year, as department store Myer believes the highly anticipated Fitbit Versa Smart Watch will be the perfect gift for mums on the go.

Gerry Gerrard, CEO of Interflora, said flowers will still be very popular this Mother’s Day with chrysanthemums, carnations and lilies being the most popular flowers of choice.

“With Interfora’s Mother’s Day Collection offering a wide range of beautiful bouquets and hampers filled with every mum’s favourite treats, we’re expecting Mother’s Day to be as busy for our florists as ever,” Mr Gerrard said.

From bright flowers to sparkling jewellery, the ARA know Mother’s Day is the second largest trading month for the retail jewellery category, after Christmas.

Carson Webb, general manager of Showcase Jewellers said their stores often experience increased diamond business during the Mother’s Day lead-up as no one can ever have too many diamonds.

Mother’s Day is strong in the general jewellery lines, including watches and branded fashion jewellery. The most beautiful, yet simple gift selection for Mum are diamond studs,” Mr Webb said.

About the Australian Retailers Association:

Founded in 1903, the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) is Australia’s largest retail association, representing the country’s $310 billion sector, which employs more than 1.2 million people. As Australia’s leading retail peak industry body, the ARA is a strong pro-active advocate for Australian retail and works to ensure retail success by informing, protecting, advocating, educating and saving money for its 7,500 independent and national retail members throughout Australia. For more information, visit www.retail.org.au or call 1300 368 041.

ends

Personal tax cuts still required for retail

THE Australian Retailers Association (ARA) said March trade figures released today by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) represent an adequate Easter trade, with a 3.15 percent total growth year-on-year.

Russell Zimmerman, executive director of the ARA, said although March figures were in line with expected year-on-year retail growth, the ARA would like to see a much stronger growth for retailers already struggling in an uncertain market.

“Although March trade figures are slightly stronger than February’s retail trade, the growth relies highly on food retailing,” Mr Zimmerman said.

“We’ve seen the majority of retail categories take a step back in year-on-year growth across the industry.”

Food Retailing grew by 4.17 percent year-on-year which was boosted by Specialised Food (9.84%), Liquor (7.26%) and Supermarkets (3.37%).


“With Easter trade being early, we would have hoped to see strong growth in Department Stores and Clothing, Footwear and Personal accessories,” Mr Zimmerman said.

“However, instead we have lost ground in these categories at a time when they should be thriving.”

Across the country, Victoria (5.48%) and South Australia (4.13%) showed the strongest year-on-year growth of all the states, while the Australian Capital Territory (3.04%), Tasmania (3%), New South Wales (2.84%) and Queensland (2.47%) remained steady.

The Northern Territory (1.79%) has improved month-on-month but showed weak year-on-year growth. Unfortunately, Western Australia (-0.50%) still lags behind the rest of the country with negative figures yet again.

“It was pleasing to see Online Retail remain steady in March, however our major concern is in Newspapers and Books who have fallen -12.74 percent, showing negative figures for three months in a row,” Mr Zimmerman said.

“We are hoping to see localised growth across most retail categories come July, with the commencement of GST collection for overseas goods.”

The ARA are hoping tonight’s Budget focuses on personal and company tax cuts to ensure retailers across the country can invest in their businesses and grow employment in the sector.

“We also believe personal tax cuts will be key for the future of retail, as personal income tax cuts will enable consumers to feel confident about their spending and ensure the longevity of Australian retail.”

Monthly Retail Growth (February 2018 - March 2018 seasonally adjusted) 

Food retailing (0.70%), Clothing, footwear and personal accessory retailing (-0.19%) Household goods retailing (-0.26%), Department stores (-0.52%), Other retailing (-0.56%) and Cafes, restaurants and takeaway food services (-0.81%).

Australian Capital Territory (1.52%), Victoria (0.23%), South Australia (0.19%), Northern Territory (0.08%), Western Australia (-0.07%), New South Wales (-0.14%), Queensland (-0.23%) and Tasmania (-0.29%).

Total sales (0.00%).

Year-on-Year Retail Growth (March 2017 - March 2018 seasonally adjusted)

Food retailing (4.17%), Clothing, footwear and personal accessory retailing (3.90%), Household goods retailing (2.96%), Cafés, restaurants and takeaway food services (2.84%), Other retailing (1.55%) and Department stores (0.38%).

Victoria (5.48%), South Australia (4.13%), Australian Capital Territory (3.04%), Tasmania (3.00%), New South Wales (2.84%), Queensland (2.47%), Northern Territory (1.79%) and Western Australia (-0.50%),

Total sales (3.15%). 

About the Australian Retailers Association: 

Founded in 1903, the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) is Australia’s largest retail association, representing the country’s $310 billion sector, which employs more than 1.2 million people. As Australia’s leading retail peak industry body, the ARA is a strong pro-active advocate for Australian retail and works to ensure retail success by informing, protecting, advocating, educating and saving money for its 7,500 independent and national retail members throughout Australia. For more information, visit www.retail.org.au or call 1300 368 041.

ends

Next Reserve Bank hearing in Canberra

THE House of Representatives Standing Committee on Economics has tabled the report of its Review of the Reserve Bank of Australia Annual Report 2017 (First Report).

The report provides a summary of issues raised at the public hearing with the Reserve Bank in Sydney on 16 February 2018.

The chair of the committee, Sarah Henderson MP, said "evidence at the hearing revealed the strength of Australia’s labour market with 400,000 new jobs created in the past year, three-quarters of which were full-time. Labour force participation is close to its record high in 2011".

During the hearing, the committee examined the RBA on its monetary policy settings given the low levels of inflation in the Australian economy, and the prospects for a pick-up in inflation and wage growth as the economy strengthens.

The RBA forecasts Australia’s GDP growth to further strengthen from 2.75 percent in mid-2018 to be a little over 3 percent over 2018 and 2019. Underlying inflation is expected to rise gradually to around 2.25 percent by 2020.

Ms Henderson commented, "The Australian economy is transitioning successfully out of the mining boom and there is a large pipeline of infrastructure investment currently underway.’ She added ‘these projects are creating new jobs now, while building Australia’s productive capacity for the future."

Public hearing details: 9.30 am, Friday 17 August, Main Committee Room, Parliament House, Canberra

The hearing will be broadcast live at aph.gov.au/live

For information about the inquiry visit the committee’s website. 

ends

Calling for park managers across the NSW North Coast who seek to inspire

FOLLOWING a new brand, Reflections Holiday Parks is calling for hospitality professionals looking for a sea change and challenge to inspire at 12 iconic NSW North Coast locations, from Jimmys Beach and Hawks Nest in the Mid North Coast to Clarkes Beach in sunny Byron Bay.

Executive manager finance and IT, Michelle Griffin said Reflections Holiday Parks was calling for tenders from professionals who could hit the ground running with the group’s vision to transform its holiday parks into places that inspire all who visit.

“The successful park management contractor will love people, strive to ensure exceptional holiday experiences and be customer focussed with a team who can make their holiday park shine,” Ms Griffin said.

“Reflections Holiday Parks is actively building a strong brand and has a significant development program for many of its parks. As we grow, customer service remains at the core of our offering. We see our park management teams as a cornerstone to providing a real connection with our guests.”

Applications close Friday, 4 June 2018 for the following North Coast holiday parks.

  • Jimmys Beach and Hawks Nest
  • Forster Beach
  • Shaws Bay and Ballina
  • Moonee Beach
  • Coffs Harbour
  • Clarkes Beach
  • Urunga and Hungry Head
  • Nambucca Headland
  • Scotts Head

For more information visit  https://reflectionsholidayparks.com.au/about-us/tenders

ends

Labor's strong focus on skills and training welcomed by Master Builders

OPPOSITION Leader Bill Shorten's strong focus on skills and training in his Budget Reply has been welcomed by Master Builders Australia. 

Denita Wawn, CEO of Master Builders Australia said, “Labor’s plan to tackle skills shortages by scrapping upfront fees for 100,000 TAFE students and modernising TAFE facilities is a very positive step as our industry strives to attract more apprentices.

"But Master Builders will engage with Labor on the need to support an open and contestable national training system that provides students and employers with choices to access the most relevant training to secure a job.” 

“Master Builders has called for innovation in VET and welcomes Labor’s support for 10,000 pre-apprenticeship programs that promote the advantages of a trade qualification. We believe this is an important pathway to promoting a career in the building and construction industry,” she said. 

“Labor’s support for small business, including personal income tax cuts that will benefit unincorporated businesses is commended and we look forward to seeing more detail,” Ms Wawn said. 

“Ensuring small businesses have a greater role in terms of local procurement is an admirable goal, but once again more detail is required. 

“Labor’s ongoing strong commitment to fund major infrastructure projects that meet the needs of our community is supported by Master Builders.

“Master Builders wants more detail on Labor’s IR proposals. We are concerned that if they are closely aligned with those put forward by the ACTU they will have adverse consequences for our industry and the community. The solution is not to give unions more power at the expense of workers,” Denita Wawn said.

www.masterbuilders.com.au

ends

Government response to the Open Banking Review

THE Turnbull Government will act to improve customer outcomes and increase competition in the financial sector by implementing the recommendations in the final report of its independent Review into Open Banking.

Implementation will be phased in from July 2019, paving the way for the introduction of the Government’s Consumer Data Right in the banking sector.

Open Banking has the potential to transform the competitive landscape in financial services and the way in which Australians interact with the banking system.

It will give banking customers greater access to the data their banks hold on them and the ability to direct that it be safely transferred to trusted and accredited service providers of their choice.

Customers will be able to use their new data rights to find better deals on their credit cards, mortgages and other banking products. Comparison services will be better able to assess the value and suitability of all available products, taking into account the individual circumstances and needs of the customer. This will help to break down barriers that see customers staying with their banks even when there are better deals elsewhere.

Open Banking will also allow entrepreneurs to develop new services and products tailored to customers’ needs, disrupting those existing business models within the banking sector that do not put customers first.

Importantly, the Government has committed to the blueprint proposed by the Review for ensuring strong privacy protections and information security for customers’ banking data. A key element of these protections is that only trusted and accredited recipients will be permitted to access data, only with customers’ express consent and only for the purposes the customer has expressly permitted.

The Government has set a challenging but realistic timeframe for bringing the benefits of the Open Banking reforms to consumers, with a July 2019 commencement.

Open Banking will be phased in with the aim that all major banks will make data available on credit and debit card, deposit and transaction accounts by 1 July 2019 and mortgages by 1 February 2020. Data on all products recommended by the Review will be available by 1 July 2020. All remaining banks will be required to implement Open Banking with a 12-month delay on timelines compared to the major banks. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) will be empowered to adjust timeframes if necessary.

The ACCC will be responsible for promoting competition and customer-focussed outcomes within the system, while the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) will ensure that privacy protection is a fundamental feature of the system.

Data61, the data arm of the CSIRO, will be appointed to perform the role of a Data Standards Body, developing technical standards for the system in collaboration with industry, FinTechs, and consumer and privacy groups.

Open Banking will be implemented as part of the Consumer Data Right in Australia, a more general right to data established by the Turnbull Government currently being created across the economy following a recommendation by the Productivity Commission’s Data Availability and Use Inquiry. The Consumer Data Right will be established sector-by-sector, beginning in the banking, energy and telecommunications sectors.

Further information about how Australians can benefit from Open Banking and the Consumer Data Right can also be found in the attached handout. For more information visit the Consumer Data Right page on the Treasury website.

ends

Australian Research Council welcomes Australian Government's ongoing commitment to Antarctic research

AUSTRALIAN Research Council (ARC) chief executive officer (CEO), Professor Sue Thomas, has welcomed the Australian Government’s 2018–19 Federal Budget announcement of a new ARC initiative to support Australian Antarctic Science research.

The ARC will administer a new Special Research Initiative in Excellence in Antarctic Science—worth $56 million over 7 years—that will provide Antarctic researchers in Australian universities the opportunity to seek funding to support their work in this important area.

“Australia’s Antarctic science program is fundamentally important to Australia, given Antarctica’s proximity to Australia and its strategic, economic, scientific and environmental importance,” said Prof. Thomas.

“This Special Research Initiative in Excellence in Antarctic Science will maintain Australia’s world-class science program in the Australian Antarctic Territory, which is vital to underpinning our leadership and influence in the region.

“This new initiative will expand on the successful research undertaken through the ARC’s 2014 Special Research Initiative for Antarctic Gateway Partnership.

“It will support Australia’s national Antarctic Priorities as determined in the Australian Antarctic Science Strategic Plan and Australian Antarctic Strategy and 20 Year Action Plan.

“The ARC will conduct a call for applications from all eligible organisations in 2018–19, with funding to commence on 1 January 2020. The initiative will provide a total of $8 million per year for seven years (until 2026) to support excellent research in Antarctic science.”

The Special Research Initiative in Excellence in Antarctic Science will be funded by the Australian Government through the ARC Special Research Initiatives (SRI) scheme.

The ARC SRI scheme provides funding for new and emerging fields of research and builds capacity in strategically important areas. The ARC currently funds several SRIs in a wide range of research areas. The objective of the scheme is to support high-quality research that will assist in advancing Australia’s research excellence to be globally competitive and deliver benefits to the community.

Further details about the Special Research Initiative in Excellence in Antarctic Science will be published on the ARC website as soon as they become available.

ARC website

ends

F'Up Night at CeBIT reveals the failures that led to success 

THREE of Australia's leading entrepreneurs will share their stories of failures and successes at CeBIT Australia 2018 at ICC Sydney on May 16.

No success in business was ever achieved without failure, from Dyson's umpteen attempts to create a bagless vacuum cleaner to Darrell Lea's famous 'accidental' red liquorice.  

For the first time, CeBIT Australia is joining the global movement that is F’Up Nights. The event will see three successful business professionals take to the stage, Luther Poier, CFO of BlueChilli; Emma Sharley, co-founder and CMO, Shop You; and  Brendan Yell, director of community development Asia-Pacific for Startup Grind and SendGrid.

Al three will be candidly sharing stories of their 'f-ups', what they learnt, how they moved on and how it ultimately led to their business successes.

The global movement was born in Mexico in 2012, F'Up Nights have now been staged in more than 250 cities worldwide, including in Hannover, Germany at the original CeBIT event. The primary purpose of the movement is to address the stigma surrounding failure and to show that failure is an essential part of the path to success.

Garry Williams, creative producer for innovation at the University of Melbourne, and Josh Lipscombe, community lead at LaunchVic, are the co-organisers of F'Up Nights in Sydney and Melbourne and are passionate about start-ups.

"It's not a pathway into self-help courses or preaching, we are igniting the tech start-up community with high-energy stories from local entrepreneurs that motivate change by sharing real obstacles when starting a new business," Mr Williams said.

"It's acknowledging that we are inherently human. We all have flaws, and sometimes it's our mistakes that make us all greater.

"We want attendees at CeBIT Australia to be inspired by the f-ups of some of the business tech industry's most successful. That's our aim, and I guarantee you, it won't be a sugar-coated event. It'll be realistic and motivating,” Mr Williams said.

Each of the three entrepreneurs will have up to 10 minutes to present their f-ups and subsequent learnings, followed by a questions-and-answers session and networking.

Poier has over 20 years’ experience helping build, invest and grow great start-ups to solve some of the world’s biggest problems, while Sharley has over 12 years’ experience working in marketing for iconic brands before starting her own fashion tech start-up, and Yell is highly experienced in the start-up community, directing and advising on a number of start-ups.

Lipscombe said F’Up Nights are not a celebration of failure, but rather an acknowledgement of how these failures have changed their career trajectory and have not stopped or derailed their vision.

F’Up Night will take place during CeBIT Australia on the FutureTech Stage, 5pm - 7pm Wednesday 16 May. The event will be open to all holders of a CeBIT visitor pass.  

For more information about F-Up Night at CeBIT Australia 2018, visit: cebit.com.au/cebit-australia-2018-fup-invite

ends

Quinn Emanuel files class action on behalf of shareholders against AMP

QUINN Emanuel Urquhart and Sullivan (QE) today has filed class action proceedings in the Supreme Court of New South Wales against embattled financial giant AMP Limited (AMP).

The class action has been filed on behalf of affected shareholders who have seen AMP’s market capitalisation plummet by approximately $2 billion following its recent admissions of misconduct at the banking Royal Commission into Misconduct in the Banking, Superannuation and Financial Services Industry. QE will pursue the class action, which has the potential to be one of Australia’s largest shareholder claims, with the backing of global litigation funder Burford Capital.

The class action alleges that, amongst other things, AMP breached its continuous disclosure obligations and made misleading statements, causing shareholders significant loss.

Revelations of AMP’s misconduct have caused its share price fall to a six year low – with AMP’s share price dropping by 14 percent since 16 April 2018. At close Wednesday, AMP shares were trading at $4.08.

QE Partner Damian Scattini said: “I don’t think there’s anyone in Australia who hasn’t been shocked and appalled by the behaviour exposed by the Royal Commission. AMP admitted that it has been misleading its customers and the market for years – it knowingly charged its loyal customers fees for advisory services it never provided, and then repeatedly lied about it to the corporate regulator. The deceit of AMP and its board is reprehensible and they must be held financially accountable.

“We have been examining AMP’s conduct for some time, but these revelations show irrefutably the contempt and disregard that AMP has for both its shareholders and customers. We will be watching AMP’s annual general meeting tomorrow with great interest to see what they say about this.

“The fact that AMP’s chairman, CEO, general counsel and three directors have resigned or been stood down as a result of the evidence heard at the Royal Commission shows that even AMP realises the depth of wrongdoing that has occurred at the highest levels of the company.”

Craig Arnott, managing director of Burford said: “AMP’s directors and executives have demonstrated a serious lack of regard for their responsibilities and the legitimate expectations of the company’s shareholders, many of whom are retail investors.”

ends

Resources sector keeps Queensland exports at record highs - QRC

THE RESOURCES sector has helped Queensland maintain its record high export results with strong growth in coal, LNG and mineral exports over the last 12 months, Queensland Resources Council chief executive Ian Macfarlane said.

Mr Macfarlane said based the latest trade figures for the 12 months to the end of March 2018 showed that the resources sector contributed more than $55 billion – or 78 percent – of the State’s $70 billion goods exports.

Premier and Minister for Trade Annastacia Palaszczuk said: “Queensland has always been a trading state. Our future is underpinned by trade, which comprises almost one-third of our economy. Our growth in exports is driven by coal, LNG and crops. We are always looking to do more to create jobs and boost the economy.”

Mr Macfarlane said he welcomed the Premier’s confidence in the sector and its ongoing contribution to Queensland’s exports.

“The fact is our exports are at record levels.  That’s good news for the Government’s budget and its capacity to reinvest in services and infrastructure.  It’s very good news for Queensland jobs and household budgets,” he said.

“Resources sector exports from Queensland are now the equivalent of $1 billion every week.”

The trade data shows coal exports increased by 12.4 percent – or $3.324 billion – to $30.174 billion over the last 12 months, while minerals increased by 9.9 percent – or $654 million – to $7.286 billion over the same period.

“LNG continues to be a growing contributor to our exports performance.  Combined the QCLNG, APLNG and GLNG projects, working off Curtis Island, have sent more than 750 shipments overseas from the Port of Gladstone,” he said.

Mr Macfarlane said stable policy and commodity prices were essential to the resources sector's strong export performance.

“However, the major threat to our export performance is a homegrown one.  Aurizon’s new maintenance regime will cut the movement of an estimated 20 million tonnes per annum.  This is the equivalent of $4 billion in lost export sales.  For the Government, and more importantly for the people of Queensland, it is a $500 million loss in royalties – in money the Government can reinvest in services and infrastructure for the people of Queensland,” he said.

“QRC repeats its call on Aurizon to resume normal maintenance practices and await the outcomes of both the Supreme Court action, which Aurizon initiated, and the Queensland Competition Authority assessment.”

QRC is the peak representative body for Queensland’s resource sector. The sector provides one in every $6 in the Queensland economy, sustains one in eight Queensland jobs, and supports more than 16,400 businesses across the State, all from 0.1 percent of Queensland’s land mass.

www.qrc.org.au

ends

More Articles …