Resources safety under the microscope to give Queensland workers confidence

• Terms of Reference released for review into Queensland’s resources safety framework.
• Independent review to consider the regulatory model for Resources Safety and Health Queensland to deliver the best safety outcomes for workers.
• Crisafulli Government is helping to fixing the mess left by the former Labor Government, which left the position of Resources Safety and Health Commissioner vacant for almost a year.

The Crisafulli Government is restoring confidence in Queensland’s resources safety framework, with the release of the Terms of Reference for a comprehensive review into the regulatory model for Resources Safety and Health Queensland (RSHQ).

The review, led by University of Queensland Professor Susan Johnston, will put RSHQ’s structure and effectiveness under the microscope to deliver the best safety outcomes for workers in the resources industry.

It will examine the role of the regulator, and whether any modifications to the existing model, or any alternative model, would be more effective in ensuring and improving resources safety and health outcomes.

Minister for Natural Resources and Mines Dale Last said Queenslanders who worked in the mining and resources sectors deserved a strong and robust safety framework.

“Queensland’s resource workers deserve a safety system that is strong, independent and accountable,” Minister Last said.

“The review will provide the clear-eyed assessment needed to strengthen our regulatory model so that it delivers for workers, the industry and mining families.

“We want a system that is responsive, respected, effective and meets the needs of Queensland’s high-vis heroes.

“Safety is my number one priority, which is why in addition to Professor Johnston’s review, the Crisafulli Government has appointed a dedicated Mining and Resources Coroner so that families who have endured the unthinkable get faster access to justice.

“Under the former Labor Government, Queensland’s resources safety framework was plagued by instability and uncertainty, including an almost year-long vacancy for the position of Resources Safety and Health Commissioner.

“The Crisafulli Government has acted swiftly to fix that, and now we’re getting on with the job of making sure the system works as it should.

“This review will be extremely thorough, and will be conducted in consultation with industry, unions, safety experts, and government agencies.

“It’s about delivering a regulatory model that is modern and fit-for-purpose to make Queensland a global leader in resources safety.

Professor Johnston’s final report is expected to be delivered by September.

ENDS

MEDIA CONTACT: William Rollo 0434 650 650

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

• Resources Safety and Health Queensland (RSHQ) was established in 2020 and is responsible for regulating the safety and health of workers in the mining, explosives, petroleum and gas industries in Queensland.
• Four people lost their lives at Queensland mine sites last year.
• The review into RSHQ is the latest step in the Crisafulli Government’s plan to restore trust in Queensland’s resources safety framework:
• Respected north Queensland barrister Wayne Pennell has been appointed the State’s new Mining and Resources Coroner
• Minister for Natural Resources and Mines Dale Last appointed Mr Ken Singer as Interim Commissioner for Resources Safety and Health earlier this year. The position had been left vacant for almost a year under the former Labor Government, after it bungled the appointment process.

REVIEW OF THE CURRENT RESOURCES SAFETY AND HEALTH REGULATORY MODEL TERMS OF REFERENCE

The review of the current regulatory model for resources safety and health in Queensland should consider:

1.         the extent to which the regulatory model is effective in ensuring resources safety and health outcomes for the resources industry in Queensland, including:

a.         consideration of RSHQ and the Commissioner roles and their ability to effectively deliver on their functions

b.         the operating relationships between RSHQ, the Commissioner, the Advisory Committees and the Minister

c.         the regulatory model and processes for investigations including investigation reports

2.         whether any modifications to the existing model or any alternative model would be more effective in ensuring and improving resources safety and health outcomes for the resources industry in Queensland, including:

a.         the structure of the regulator

b.         the recommendations of the PMO and their report handed to Government in June 2018

c.         establishing an advisory council or board to provide strategic direction to the regulator and report to the Minister on performance of the regulator

d.         the role of the regulator in:

i.          fostering and enabling improvements in safety and health

ii.         undertaking prosecutions for both serious and non-serious offences

iii.        research, policy and training

3.         the oversight and governance structures within the current regulatory model and how this best enhances the operation of the regulatory framework

4.         any other opportunities for improving resources safety and health outcomes in so far as they relate to the operation of RSHQ.