Minister Laundy welcomes end to Oaky Creek dispute

Minister for Small and Family Business, the Workplace and Deregulation, Craig Laundy, welcomed news that miners at Glencore’s Oaky Creek mine in Queensland have voted to support a new enterprise agreement. 

In a resounding endorsement, 90 percent of eligible workers took part in the ballot and 70 percent of those voted in support. 

“We all look forward to seeing the miners return underground and normal operations being restored at the mine. This is a great outcome for workers and their families. 

“Whilst Bill Shorten and Brendan O’Connor were pouring fuel on the fire of the dispute and encouraging division, I took the opportunity to work with both the company and employee representatives to work towards resolving the dispute. 

“I met with Glencore and local CFMEU representatives a number of times over the last couple of months, encouraging them to find a constructive settlement. 

“I acknowledge the role the Fair Work Commission, the independent umpire Labor established, has played in helping achieve a positive outcome. 

“I would also like to thank MPs Ken O’Dowd, Michelle Landry and George Christensen, and my ministerial colleague Matt Canavan, for their unwavering efforts in urging the parties to resolve the dispute.”