Copper theft is costing taxpayers millions of dollars every year | 7.30

Key Concepts

• Copper Theft: The illegal stealing of copper metal, driven by its high market value.
• Red Gold: A nickname for copper due to its increasing profitability for thieves.
• Telecommunications Infrastructure: Critical networks targeted by thieves, leading to disruptions in emergency services.
• Scrap Metal Industry Regulations: Rules and procedures intended to prevent the purchase of stolen copper.
• Legislative Response: Government efforts to address copper theft through new laws and enforcement.
• Aluminium as a Substitute: Replacing copper with aluminium to reduce the incentive for theft due to lower value.

Queensland Copper Theft: A Growing Crisis

Escalating Problem & Financial Incentive

Copper theft in Queensland is rapidly increasing, driven by the metal’s high value – currently around $17-$18 per kilo, a threefold increase in the last five years. This makes copper, often referred to as “red gold,” a highly lucrative target for criminals, ranging from petty thieves to organized crime groups. The theft impacts a wide range of infrastructure, including power lines, streetlights, EV charging stations, and critically, telecommunication lines.

Impact on Public Safety & Infrastructure

The consequences of this theft are severe. A recent example occurred during the formation of Tropical Cyclone Cooji, where suspected thieves cut wires at a telecommunication site in Townsville, leaving thousands of residents without access to emergency services for hours. Queensland’s Premier stated, “My message to that low life is you have put at risk the lives of North Queenslanders in their hour of need.” Beyond emergency services, the theft impacts schools, train stations, and pathway lighting, with the Moreton Bay region alone experiencing hundreds of thousands of dollars in losses. Energy Queensland has incurred $4.5 million in costs to repair and replace stolen assets, a cost ultimately passed on to consumers.

Risks Associated with Theft & Near-Fatal Incidents

The act of stealing copper itself is incredibly dangerous. A case involving a damaged high-voltage cable illustrates this risk: a thief attempting to cut through the cable with a hacksaw triggered an explosion reaching 20,000°C (the surface temperature of the sun), resulting in life-altering burns and a near-fatality. Authorities emphasize that “This is not worth your life…This is going to either lifealtering or life-ending life decision.”

The Scrap Metal Industry & Regulatory Efforts

Industry Practices & Compliance

Brett Crosby, owner of a Brisbane scrap metal business, notes that while copper sales represent a small portion of his business, they are significant within the industry. He asserts that the vast majority (95%) of scrap metal traders adhere to regulations requiring identification and details from sellers, effectively preventing the purchase of stolen materials. He acknowledges a 5% segment of “dodgy dealers” who operate under the cover of darkness and attempt to circumvent these rules. He states, “It all looks the same from the good person to the other person…You got to have your phone number, license, details.”

Previous Inquiries & Current Legislative Response

In 2023, a parliamentary inquiry into scrap metal thefts was conducted, resulting in seven recommendations, including classifying theft that endangers lives as a specific offense and targeting unlicensed traders. However, none of these recommendations have been implemented to date. Queensland’s Attorney General, Deb Freckling, has stated that her government is reviewing the 2023 report and will introduce new laws to address the issue, acknowledging a “huge loophole” being exploited by thieves. The Attorney General stated, “The sooner it can happen, the better…there’s a real dollar and cents impact to our moms and dads out there who have to reach in and pay for that.”

Mitigation Strategies & Future Outlook

Transition to Aluminium

Energy network operators, local councils, and state government departments are proactively replacing copper cables with aluminium, which is worth over six times less. This strategy aims to reduce the financial incentive for theft and mitigate the associated risks.

Legislative Action & Enforcement

The government is committed to strengthening laws to provide police with the necessary “teeth” to combat copper theft. The focus is on moving beyond reviews and “talk fests” to concrete legislative action.

Data & Statistics

• Copper Price: $17-$18 per kilo (current) – a threefold increase in 5 years.
• Energex Repair Costs: $4.5 million (total cost to repair and replace stolen assets).
• Industry Compliance: 95% of scrap metal traders adhere to identification requirements.

Conclusion

Copper theft in Queensland represents a significant and escalating problem with serious implications for public safety, infrastructure reliability, and financial costs. While the scrap metal industry largely complies with regulations, loopholes and illicit actors continue to fuel the illegal trade. The government’s commitment to new legislation, coupled with proactive mitigation strategies like replacing copper with aluminium, are crucial steps towards addressing this crisis and protecting communities from the dangerous consequences of copper theft.