Key appointments for mine safety

• Heidi Roberts has been appointed as the Commissioner for Resources Safety and Health
• Robert Djukic, who has been acting CEO of Resources Safety and Health Queensland CEO, is now the permanent CEO
• Both positions went through a rigorous tripartite selection process involving both industry and workers representative groups

Two experienced leaders in mine safety have been appointed to key positions.

Heidi Roberts has been appointed as the Commissioner for Resources Safety and Health and Rob Djukic is now CEO of the independent health and safety regulator Resources Safety and Health Queensland.

Quotes attributable to Resources and Critical Minerals Minister Scott Stewart:

“I want to congratulate Heidi Roberts on her appointment to such an important role.

“She brings a wide range of experience to the vital position which will work across the resources industry to ensure safety is everyone’s top priority.

“Ms Roberts also helped lead reform in relation response to Black Lung disease in coal mine workers.

“I would also like to congratulate Mr Djukic who has been with RSHQ since it was established in 2020.

“I know the wealth of experience and knowledge he will bring to this role now and into the future.

“In Mr Djukic’s former role as RSHQ’s Chief Operating Officer, he has overseen key milestones including the regulator’s response to the Coal Mining Board of Inquiry and the development and passage of the Resources Safety and Health Legislation Amendment Act 2024.

“The health and safety of all workers is paramount for a Miles Labor Government.

“Queensland now has the toughest mine safety and health laws in the world - including an offence of industrial manslaughter.

“That’s because we have implemented the most substantial suite of reforms to mine safety and health in 20 years.

Quotes attributable to Commissioner for Resources Safety and Health Heidi Roberts

“I am thrilled to accept the role of Commissioner Resources Safety and Health Queensland.

I look forward to continuing to drive the culture of best practice and productive dialogue between industry, worker representative groups, subject matter experts and the Regulator, so that resource workers in Queensland can enjoy the strongest protections in safety and health.”

Quotes attributable to Resources Safety and Health Queensland CEO Rob Djukic

“I strongly believe in RSHQ’s vision and purpose, and know we have an excellent team to deliver our important work. I am excited and honoured to officially accept the CEO role in a substantive capacity”

“I believe that clear communication, fairness and respect for persons are core to protecting safety and health and being an effective regulator – and these will continue being key focus areas of my leadership.”

ENDS