Where do the royalties go?

From resources to real-world services.

In 2024–25, resource companies paid more than $7.9 billion to the Queensland Government in royalties and taxes. These funds form a crucial part of the Queensland budget and significant revenue. Royalties support the delivery of frontline services such as healthcare, education, law enforcement, roads, and public transport.

Royalties also support cost-of-living measures, housing programs and community services that would otherwise have to be funded through higher taxes, more debt, or cuts elsewhere. The flow-on effect is enormous: royalty stability helps governments plan long-term, invest in upgrades, and maintain essential services across the whole state.

Put simply, without the resources sector, Queensland’s budget would be significantly smaller, its services weaker, and its capacity to invest in communities far more limited. These contributions don’t just add to the budget - they help keep the entire state running.

Royalties help pay for the things Queenslanders use every day.

  • Hospitals and Health.

    more staff, more clinics, better medical equipment

  • Schools and Skills.

    stronger classrooms, TAFE upgrades, more training programs

  • Roads and Infrastructure.

    safer, more reliable roads and public transport

  • Law Enforcement and Emergency Services.

    enhanced police, fire, and SES capability

Myth busters.

Myth:

“Big mining companies don’t pay tax.”

Fact:

Mining companies pay corporate taxes as well as royalties to the Queensland Government. For the 2023–24 financial year, the mining and resources sector paid $59.4 billion in tax and royalties and was noted by the ATO as the nation's biggest taxpayer. For example, one of Australia’s largest mining companies, BHP, reported that its Queensland coal operations faced an adjusted effective tax rate (income tax plus royalties) of about 62% in FY24. That means for every $100 of profit (after adjusting for exceptions), roughly $62 is paid as tax/royalties in Queensland alone.

Myth:

"Resources companies avoid paying royalties."

Fact:

Resources companies have always acknowledged that Queensland’s natural resources belong to its people and are committed to sharing the benefits through a fair and balanced royalties system.

Learn more.

Figures use total and direct contributions for 2024-25, based on economic modelling by Lawrence Consulting. Learn more about the methodology here.

Royalties stated on this website are from the Queensland Government Office of State Revenue for the 2024-25 financial year.