Why the SSRC Act was created

Recent resource activity in Queensland has included new mining ventures in the Bowen Basin coal region, North West minerals region, and investment in coal seam gas extraction in South West Queensland.

While the resource industry contributes significantly to the economy, many resource communities have expressed concerns that the increased use of non-residential FIFO workers by resource companies detrimentally effects their communities.

Review of FIFO practices

In March 2015, the Queensland Government commissioned a Parliamentary enquiry into FIFO and other long distance commuting work practices used by large resource projects across regional Queensland, to understand the economic and mental health impacts that FIFO practices have on regional resource communities, and the communities where FIFO workers live.

A FIFO review panel also ran in parallel and released a report about FIFO practices in October 2015.

Following the Parliamentary enquiry and FIFO review, the Queensland Government developed the Strong and Sustainable Resource Communities Bill 2016, in consultation with stakeholders.

The Bill became an Act on 31 August 2017 after being passed by Parliament and receiving Royal Assent.