QLD: Premier under fire for union clash at Rio Tinto mine

AAP General News (Australia)
02-15-1999
QLD: Premier under fire for union clash at Rio Tinto mine

BRISBANE, Feb 15 AAP - Premier Peter Beattie should intervene in the Gordonstone mine
dispute in central Queensland before it damaged the state's reputation, the state opposition
said today.

Deputy Opposition Leader Mike Horan called on the Premier to step in before meeting the
mine's new owner Rio Tinto in London later this week.

Mr Horan said the "unreasonable" action by unions targeting the mining giant's latest
acquisition, Gordonstone, could scare mining companies away from Queensland, costing the state
millions of dollars in royalty payments and thousands of jobs.

"This sort of mindless union thuggery sends a very bad message to international mining
companies who are considering establishing operations in Queensland," he said.

"Mr Beattie must condemn the action being taken by unions and take immediate steps to
resolve the situation."

Unrest at the mine just outside Emerald reached flashpoint last week when police arrested
22 picketers trying to prevent Rio Tinto from reopening the mine.

Gordonstone was shut down by the previous owners, rival mining giant Arco, in October 1997,
with its entire workforce of 312 sacked.

AAP bja/geb/gl/br

KEYWORD: GORDONSTONE BEATTIE

1999 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.