The sacrifice of workers should never be forgotten

On the eve of the 13^th anniversary of the Moura No 2 mine explosion, Mines and Energy Minister Geoff Wilson told a Queensland mine safety conference that nothing was more important than safety in mining.

“While we reap the benefits of the resources boom, we should never lose sight of the importance of safety in our mines – not for a second – because nothing is more important than that,” Mr Wilson said.

In 1994, tragedy struck the Queensland coal industry when eleven miners lost their lives in a mine explosion at Moura.

“The deaths of those eleven miners are a tragic part of our history. And the history of workers, their struggle, and the ultimate sacrifice of workers, should never be forgotten,” he said.

“It’s important that we learn from history and that we reflect on what can happen if everyone is not vigilant about protecting the safety of the men and women who work in our mines,” he said.

The Minister told delegates at the 19^th annual Mining Safety and Health conference in Townsville that lessons were learnt from the Moura explosion.

“Since then, we have achieved major improvements to mine safety in Queensland. We have developed the best mine safety and health legislation available.

“But it must be continued to be enforced on the ground - mine by mine, employer by employer, worker by worker,” he said.

Minister Wilson said the future of the mining industry would be supported by a revamped Queensland Mines Inspectorate.

“The Inspectorate is undergoing a substantial restructure. It’s being revitalised,” he said.

“Two senior inspector positions have been taken out of head office and transferred to the regions. Five occupational health and safety officers have been appointed in the regions.

“Positions are being advertised nationally to bring on the next generation of Mines Inspectors and they’ll reap the benefits of a better career path and a multi-disciplined team approach to investigations. They’ll have the backing of better training and remuneration.

“We want to attract and retain the best inspectors and safety and health specialists so that the Inspectorate reflects a new modern era of mining,” Mr Wilson said.

Media Inquiries: Ellen McIntyre 3225 1819