Scoping study: impact of fly-in fly-out/drive-in drive-out work practices on local government

In 2011, the Commonwealth Government announced an inquiry into the use of 'fly-in, fly-out' (FIFO) and 'drive-in, drive-out' (DIDO) workforce practices in regional Australia by the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Regional Australia. The terms of reference for this inquiry were to inquire and report on: the extent and projected growth in FIFO/DIDO work practices, including in which regions and key industries this practice is utilised; costs and benefits for companies and individuals, choosing a FIFO/DIDO workforce as an alternative to a resident workforce; the effect of a non-resident FIFO/DIDO workforce on established communities, including community wellbeing, services and infrastructure; the impact on communities sending large numbers of FIFO/DIDO workers to mine sites; long term strategies for economic diversification in towns with large FIFO/DIDO workforces; key skill sets targeted for mobile workforce employment, and opportunities for ongoing training and development; provision of services, infrastructure and housing availability for FIFO/DIDO workforce employees; strategies to optimise FIFO/DIDO experience for employees and their families, communities and industry; potential opportunities for non-mining communities with narrow economic bases to diversify their economic base by providing a FIFO/DIDO workforce; current initiatives and responses of the Commonwealth, State and Territory Governments; and any other related matter. The Australian Centre of Excellence for Local Government (ACELG) commissioned this brief scoping study to evaluate if there is a role for ACELG in this space that might complement the inquiry activities. The research approach aimed to identify potential gaps in the literature and understandings of the impacts of FIFO/DIDO work practices specifically within the local government context, around which ACELG might play a role. A synthesis of the findings formed the basis for the recommendations contained in this report. The results of the scoping study suggest that ACELG considers partnering with interested stakeholders to undertake research into the impacts of FIFO work practices specifically on local government. It is suggested that the initial research project be designed to address at least some of the issues presented in the research scope outlined, taking into account the decision making processes that would need to be influenced.

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