Stories from Brisbane · Australia

Queensland has implemented a tiered royalty system that imposes a 40% tax on every dollar earned from coal exceeding $300 per tonne. This rate significantly exceeds the 7.5% royalty on iron ore in Western Australia and the 5% rate for copper and base metals in Queensland. Industry representatives state that these high royalty levels put jobs at risk. The policy represents the highest coal royalty rate in the region. The royalty structure is tiered based on revenue rather than profit. Industry experts suggest the current royalty levels may cause the coal industry to deteriorate over time. This system has been a point of discussion within the Queensland mining sector.

A worker is facing two counts of common assault following an incident at a car yard in Brisbane South. The incident was reported to police on Thursday in Sydney's South West, though the specific location of the assault remains tied to the Brisbane yard context. The individual is scheduled to appear before the Virtual Bail Division Court today. Queensland police noted that while car insurers are discovering drugs and weapons in recovered stolen vehicles, overall thefts are decreasing across the state. Police were notified a day later.