Resource Industry Network
POLITICAL ENGAGEMENT POLICY

(March 17, 2022)

PURPOSE
Political stakeholders, and the decisions they make, can have significant impacts on RIN members.  Strong and constructive relationships with these public policy makers and legislators are therefore important in achieving RIN’s Strategic and Operational Plan.  The purpose of this policy is to set out the approach and general expectations of RIN as RIN advocates and engages with those involved in the political process in Australia at all three levels of government.

SCOPE
This policy applies to all RIN, directors, officers and employees as well as contractors and consultants working for RIN.

EXPECTATIONS

1. Promote

RIN is committed to representing the interests of members and the broader resources industry in Queensland.One of the primary activities of RIN is to actively advocate for and promote the industry and further to act as the principal conduit between RIN members and the Local, State and Federal Government on industry matters.

2. Connect

RIN seeks to connect with parliamentarians and policy-makers through avenues such as formal meetings, attending events, speaking in public forums, appearing before parliamentary inquiries where appropriate and making submissions to industry during a consultation process.

3. Develop

The RIN Board will develop the public position and specific policies for the various issues to be communicated on behalf of RIN.  RIN’s public positions will be outlined in submissions, the media and communication material published on RIN’s webpage and social media.  This includes advertising or communications that promotes the resources community and highlights the performance specifically of RIN members.

APPROACH
RIN maintains a non-partisan approach to all political engagement and interface.  RIN does not make cash donations to organisations directly affiliated with political stakeholders.  Further, RIN does not pay to attend events conducted by political stakeholders where the attendance fee may constitute a political donation. Once an election has been called and parties enter a defined election campaign, all candidates are encouraged to present their policies to RIN. 

TRANSPARENCY
RIN employees and officers are entitled to act in their capacity as private citizens for any political purpose, however, any such contribution or engagement should not be considered to be made on behalf of, or in any way connected with, RIN.  This includes making personal donations to political stakeholders.  Any real or potential conflicts of interest should be identified and noted to the RIN Board to ensure transparency.

POLICY BREACHES
Should the conduct of a RIN employee or officer constitute a breach of this policy, such conduct should be reported to the Chairman of the Board (or any other director).  Non-compliance may result in disciplinary action (including termination of employment or removal from the RIN Board).