By HARRY CLARKE
THE Queensland Resources Council (QRC) has announced gas, coal and metals industry leader Janette Hewson as its new chief executive officer.
Hewson, a born and bred Queenslander with more than 25 years experience in the resources sector at senior executive level, will replace outgoing CEO Ian Macfarlane following his retirement at the end of this year.
Her most recent role was executive vice president, ESG (environmental, social, governance) at ASX Top 20 gas company Santos.
Hewson has previously held senior positions with global resources companies South 32 and Peabody Energy, and has also held numerous state and national board and industry association roles, including a position on the QRC board.
She is a former winner of Queensland’s Exceptional Woman in Resources award.
QRC board president Adam Lancey (pictured) said Hewson was well known for her leadership and industry experience, and that her appointment would be welcomed across the sector.
“Janette will lead the QRC at a time when the industry faces changes, challenges and opportunities as the sector continues to power Queensland’s economy while providing the minerals and materials needed for decarbonisation,” Lancey said.
“Under her leadership, the QRC will continue to prioritise and promote the highest industry standards in health and safety, diversity and inclusion and environmentally responsible operating practices.
“The QRC will also continue to promote the importance of the resources sector to the long-term future of Queensland and advocate for policy to ensure the industry has the certainty and stability to keep investing in projects and skills.”
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Hewson takes the helm of Queensland’s powerful mining lobby amid a long-running, bitter stoush with the Queensland Government over its decision last year to significantly increase royalty taxes on the coal industry.
Queensland coal companies are now taxed up to 40 percent per tonne, raising more than $18 billion in annual royalties, which the QRC claims are the highest coal taxes of any jurisdiction in the world.
Hewson (pictured) said she was “looking forward to working constructively” with stakeholders including governments, local communities and regional partners “to achieve positive outcomes” for the state’s resources sector.
“It’s an immense privilege to represent an industry that underpins the Queensland economy and supports the jobs of more than 530,000 people,” she said.
“For this to continue, we need all stakeholders focussed on industry stability and the ongoing, long-term jobs and business opportunities our sector can provide.
“I wish Ian Macfarlane all the best in his retirement, and I look forward to leading the QRC into its next exciting chapter.”
Hewson will begin her role at the QRC early next year.