Minister for Resources and Northern Australia Matt Canavan has welcomed the appointment of Ian Macfarlane as Chief Executive of the Queensland Resources Council and said he would be a strong successor to build on more than a decade of leadership under Michael Roche.

“Ian Macfarlane has a depth of knowledge from his time as Australia’s longest-serving resources minister and a track record of policy making and public advocacy to strengthen both the resources industry as well as the communities that rely upon it,” Minister Canavan said.

“His time in the portfolio was characterised by a bipartisan approach to reach across the political aisle to the benefit of the sector and I welcome his appointment as another strong voice for the Queensland resources industry.

“I look forward to working with Ian to further strengthen Queensland’s resources sector. 

“I also congratulate outgoing Chief Executive Michael Roche on his achievements during 11 years at the helm of the Queensland Resources Council.

“During those years the sector has undergone one of the most significant transformations in its history.  Michael has been an assured and effective leader, having steered the sector through both boom times and challenges.  I wish him all the best for his future.

“The Australian resources sector underpins the national economy and Queensland is one of our powerhouse states.  The Australian Government will continue to put in place policies that drive our prosperity and encourage investment and jobs growth in this sector.”