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The Private Member’s Bill in the federal parliament will seek to make it illegal for companies to lock people out of jobs based on where they live, according to Christensen.

“The workers of this region deserve the right to apply for any job going, and should particularly be able to apply for jobs right on their doorstep,” he said.

“This is about amending the Fair Work Act (2009) to prohibit such discrimination.

“And an important point to note here is that if we can get this passed, it will apply to all mines.

“It’s a waste of time making recommendations like those of the State Labor government which do not affect the mines currently operating with 100% FIFO workforces.”

The amendment reads: “An employer must not take adverse action against a person who is an employee, or prospective employee, of the employer because of where the person lives.”

Christensen said he will introduce the amendment in Parliament House on Monday morning and it will then be open for debate.

“This discrimination needs to end, and this push is about ensuring that workers who live in Central Queensland can apply for any, and all, jobs going in our coal mining sector,” he said.

“There are currently two BMA mines in the Bowen Basin region which have a 100% FIFO workforce.

“The Caval Ridge and Daunia mines were given approval for 100% FIFO workforces by the Bligh Labor government.”