Queensland Treasurer Curtis Pitt has rejected claims the state government is torn along factional lines over a proposed royalties deal for the controversial Adani Carmichael coal mine.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk is attempting to put together a new royalties "framework" that would cover not only Adani but any projects in the Galilee and Surat Basins, as well as the North-West Minerals Province, in response to an apparent cabinet revolt over the issue.
The premier and treasurer are accused of bypassing cabinet to strike a "royalties holiday" deal that would limit royalties from the mine to $2 million annually for the first seven years of operation, potentially costing taxpayers up to $320 million.
The proposal was shelved on Monday after cabinet discovered it through media reports last week - with Deputy Premier Jackie Trad, the leader of the dominant Left faction, believed to be among those blindsided by the deal.
It's understood both the Left and the majority of Mr Pitt's own Old Guard faction opposed the initial proposal.
But Mr Pitt says claims of a factional war within cabinet are false, and he's never seen government policy decided along factional lines.
"I can say that I've never seen factionalism be a part of decision making. Cabinet ministers come to the table to make good public policy," he told reporters on Friday.
"They come to make decisions in the best interests of Queenslanders. That's what I'll be doing."
Ms Palaszczuk has made it clear she wants the Adani royalties issue resolved by next week.
Mr Pitt says no deal is currently in place with Adani and the Indian company hasn't imposed a deadline, despite reports they are threatening to walk away from the proposed $21 billion project.
"This arrangement that will be put in place, of course, is all about expanding the Galilee Basin's opportunities, the Surat Basin's opportunities and the North-West Minerals Province," he said.
"Why it's important is because everyone expects that resources companies should pay their way. They expect they should pay every cent of royalties owed to the state."
Share
