Federal Coalition representatives from North Queensland claim regional areas are being punished for not voting Labor as community leaders express shock at Anthony Albanese’s Budget this week.

Federal Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek’s decision to reassess approvals for 18 major coal and gas projects marks the introduction of a ‘climate trigger’ by stealth – and a dangerous moment for Australia.

Shadow Minister for Resources and Northern Australia, Senator Susan McDonald, criticised Labor’s treatment of the resources sector in its Federal Budget, slamming anti-development policies that would severely erode investor confidence and do nothing to help ease costs of living.

Shadow Minister for Resources, Senator Susan McDonald has slammed Labor’s announcement of $100 million in budget cuts to the $200 million Critical Minerals Accelerator Program introduced by the Coalition earlier this year, all while pretending the funding is new.