Crook appointed to Federal fly-in fly-out committee

Author: Tony Crook
Published on: 13-September-2011

Nationals WA Federal Member for O’Connor Tony Crook has today been appointed to a Committee for Regional Australia inquiry focussing on fly-in fly-out (FIFO) workforces in regional Australia.

The inquiry will examine a range of issues related to FIFO, including the social impact on towns, the impact on individuals, and the availability of services and housing in the regions.

Mr Crook requested a position on the committee in response to the high number of FIFO workers in O’Connor.

“This inquiry is extraordinarily important for the electorate of O’Connor, and particularly Goldfields communities,” Mr Crook said.

“The Goldfields plays host to one of the largest contingents of FIFO employees in Australia.”

Mr Crook said the FIFO model of business was damaging to regional communities.

“In terms of creating sustainable and resilient communities we need to move away from a transient workforce and instead focus on attracting people to live and work in the regions.”

Mr Crook acknowledged there were significant barriers in place to overcome FIFO.

“If we cannot provide accommodation or services in these regional communities, of course workers and companies will look at other options.

“I understand the need for a FIFO workforce in remote areas, but in major regional centres I believe we can do better.”

Mr Crook pointed out that FIFO workforces could impact Esperance and Albany in the near future.

“With Grange Resources iron-ore project and First Quantum’s nickel project coming online or ramping up operations in coming years, surrounding communities need to be aware of the social impact that comes with utilising a FIFO workforce.”

Mr Crook said he has requested the Committee visit the Goldfields as part of their inquiry.

Mr Crook said he encouraged local governments, businesses and individuals who were impacted by fly-in fly-out to make a submission to the inquiry

“I believe FIFO is a significant concern for the future sustainability of regional WA, and I look forward to playing my role in this inquiry.”

Further information on the inquiry, including the terms of reference, can be found online at www.aph.gov.au/fifo.

Submissions are required by October 7, 2011 and can be directed to the committee secretariat at ra.reps@aph.gov.au.

The committee will convene tomorrow for the first time.

See this article on the member's website