Welcoming the code?s tabling in the Queensland Parliament by Deputy Premier Jeff Seeney, Queensland Resources Council (QRC) chief executive Michael Roche said it was in the state?s and nation?s long term interest to support flexible and outcomes-based measures to ?join the dots? between the resources sector and local suppliers.
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?The minerals and energy sector is recognised as underpinning the Queensland economy by providing more than 70,000 direct jobs and, through $28 billion in local purchases, more than 400,000 indirect jobs,? Roche said.
?However, we?re not resting on our laurels. This code is the right vehicle to pursue the twin goals of facilitating a high level of Queensland content in Queensland resource projects, while maintaining and enhancing the sector?s competitiveness in increasingly tough global markets.
?The code presents enhanced opportunities for local industry participation in major projects, allowing resource companies to tailor their approach, based on their individual circumstances.
?It replaces and improves upon the ‘tick-a-box’ regulatory approach embraced by both the previous state government and current federal government using a system built on giving local businesses a ‘full, fair and reasonable’ opportunity to be a supplier to resource projects in Queensland,? Roche said.
The code adopts a strong ?shared responsibility? framework, with the QRC, government, minerals and energy producers and local suppliers working together to deliver on the principle of ?full, fair and reasonable? opportunity?, Roche added.
The code?s framework promises to deliver benefits to both industry and government with improved opportunities for Queensland suppliers and better engagement with supplier advocate groups. It is also intended to reduce red tape and provide more transparent industry-wide and company reporting.
Roche said the QRC had consulted widely in developing the code and supporting framework. ?As well as a broad cross-section of our members ? companies large and small across the various commodity sectors ? we have also had discussions with representatives from various supplier groups and senior state and federal government officials to gauge views and incorporate feedback,? he said.
A code steering committee responsible for reviewing the effectiveness of the code and suggesting improvements will oversee implementation of this important industry initiative.
The committee will comprise resource sector procurement experts and senior supplier group representatives from the Australian Industry Group and the Australian Steel Institute.
Source: Queensland Resources Council