Queensland citizens draws to the attention of the House, the discriminating practice of mining companies employing 100% compulsory Fly-In-Fly-Out (FIFO) workforces and forcing those workers to live in mining camps rather than letting them choose where they live. 

This practice results in increased unemployment since FIFO/DIDO workers are selected from outside mining communities rather than from local, highly skilled miners.  Local economies deteriorate as unemployed workers are forced to leave town and family, to find work. Consequently, growth cannot happen, social breakdown occurs, and ultimately communities cannot survive.  This is currently happening in several communities in Queensland.

The need for workers' camps and FIFO is accepted.  However, the forced accommodation of workers in camps and 100% compulsory FIFO is not.  Well documented and disturbing difficulties that workers suffer due to being forced to live in camps include:

• Mental health issues, (eg. depression, loneliness)
• Alcohol abuse
• Obesity

Additionally, FIFO workers have recently been threatened with the sack if they interact with or live in local communities.  However, the Queensland government has publicly stated support for the liveability and sustainable growth of regional communities.

Your petitioners, therefore, request the House to:

• ensure equal options for all workers to be:
  o selected from the community
  o FIFO
  o DIDO

• ensure all workers are allowed to live where they choose
• reduce existing 100% FIFO arrangements
• reject the Red Hill proposal in its current form.