Former Minister Ian Macfarlane to head up QRC

JOHANNESBURG (miningweekly.com) – Former federal Resources Minister Ian Macfarlane has been confirmed the new CEO of the Queensland Resources Council (QRC) – news that industry bodies welcomes and the Greens party has reservations about.

Macfarlane is succeeding Michael Roche and will take up his new role in November, the QRC announced on Monday.

QRC incoming president Rag Udd commented that Macfarlane would bring “deep knowledge of bureaucracy, government and industry players” as the new CEO.

“Ian has had a distinguished career in the federal Parliament and for most of that time served as a Minister or shadow Minister in portfolios which included responsibility for the resources sector.”

Macfarlane retired from politics earlier this year after he was demoted to the backbench when Malcolm Turnbull took over from Tony Abbott as Prime Minister in 2015.

Prior to his 18-year career in federal politics, Macfarlane spent nearly seven years as president of the Grain Growers Association in Queensland.

“The Queensland Resources Council is a highly respected industry peak body on both sides of politics and throughout the wider community and I am honoured to be asked to build on the excellent work of outgoing CE Michael Roche,” Macfarlane said in a statement.

The Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association (Appea) and the Minerals Council of Australia (MCA) “warmly welcomed” the appointment.

Appea chairperson Bruce Lake pointed out that Macfarlane was universally respected in the industry and described the former Minister as a forthright champion” for the resources sector.

MCA CEO Brendan Pearson commented that Macfarlane combined a “prodigious knowledge of the resources sector, keen policy instincts and great advocacy skills”, adding that he had the respect of the resources sector and all sides of the political spectrum.

The Greens democracy spokesperson Lee Rhiannon raised concern about the appointment. “The revolving door between the political class and the mining and resources sector causes deep cynicism about MPs and democratic institutions.

“There is a perception in parts of the community that the mining and resources sector and mining-friendly governments are one and the same. Ministers provide a secure framework, grants and subsidies for the fossil fuel industry and in exchange expect jobs upon retirement.

“The fact Macfarlane can ignore the rules shows why we urgently need legislated ethical standards for Ministers, donations reform and a national corruption watchdog.

"There’s no point having a code of conduct if it can be breached with no consequences. We need to look at the regulations which govern political lobbying and clean them up, and introduce an official ‘cooling off’ period,” Rhiannon said.