Locals from Emerald and Blackwater will have the opportunity to attend the public hearings on FIFO work practices when the parliamentary Infrastructure, Planning and Natural Resources committees sit in Blackwater and Emerald on Wednesday, June 17, 2015.

“I encourage people to attend, whether they just want to listen or whether they want to make a contribution,” said the Committee member and Member for Gregory Lachlan Millar, MP.

“People can register their interest by phoning 3406 7230 or by emailing their contact details to [email protected] or by turning up on the day,” he said.

“They can also read all the submissions received by the Committee by going to www.parliament.qld.gov.au, clicking on Work of the Committees, Inquiries, Fly In, Fly Out and then clicking on the speech bubble.”

Mr Millar said the Emerald hearing would be held at the Mayfair Tavern from 9 am to 11 am and the Blackwater one will be held at the Blackwater Civic Centre from 2.15 pm to 4.15 pm on the same day.

“In some regards FIFO is a social experiment that has taken place largely unexamined. The hearings represent an opportunity for both workers and host communities to ensure the true social and economic impact of FIFO practices are carefully considered,” said Mr Millar.

“Emerald and Blackwater are of particular interest as the models have been slightly different and so the experiences are also different, not least in intensity. I believe the residents of Emerald and Blackwater have valuable contributions to make and I hope people will come forward,” he said.