Trad, who is the MP for South Brisbane, told Parliament that communities that relied on demand for thermal coal should start diversifying as more nations sought to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.   

 

"The fact is, markets are moving away from thermal coal, communities are moving away from thermal coal, nation states are moving away from thermal coal," she said.

 

"What we need to do as a coal exporter is understand that, and equip our communities with the best possible chance of re-skilling, and that's why we're focused on other materials."

 

Queensland Liberal National Party leader Deb Frecklington accused the state government's of having an inconsistent position on coal mining.

 

"We've got the premier standing up and trying to say that she supports the industry but yet won't let her government approve a mine," she said.

 

"We've then got the stunning admission from Labor's own deputy premier that coal workers across Queensland need to reskill.

 

"It's just shocking, it's a real hammer blow to this industry."

 

Federal resources minister Matt Canavan also joined in the fray, tweeting that Trad and the ALP were wavering in its support for coal. 

 

"So the Queensland Treasurer tells Queensland coal miners they no longer have a future," he tweeted.

 

"She is wrong ... Last year was a record for coal fired power. But worse the modern Labor party lacks any compassion. They don't care about people's jobs or livelihoods"