Pay up: mining and gambling companies told not to expect sympathy over Queensland tax hikes

A coal train in Queensland’s Bowen Basin. The state treasurer says the increase in coalmining royalties will bring in $1.2bn over four years. Photograph: Craig P Jewell/Getty Images

Resources and gambling companies have been told to “pull their head in” and not expect public sympathy after taking high-profile actions to resist recent tax increases by the Queensland government.

BHP’s chief executive, Mike Henry, last week said the mining giant would pause plans for its Blackwater South coalmine because of the state’s new royalty regime, unveiled as part of the June budget.