Independent review into mine safety statistics released to key stakeholders
Published Sunday, 21 October, 2007 at 06:00 AM
Minister for Mines and Energy
The Honourable Geoff Wilson
An independent review of safety statistics in Queensland mines has been completed and publicly released to key stakeholderes by Mines and Energy Minister Geoff Wilson.
"While the report shines a light on what is being done right, it also hangs a lantern on some of the problems in the mining industry," Mr Wilson said.
Earlier this year, the Minister requested an independent review into mine safety statistics following concerns that some of the statistics in the annual Queensland Mines and Quarries Safety Performance and Health Report did not accurately reflect the safety performance in some mines.
"I took action after becoming aware that the annual report had never been reviewed and after concerns were raised directly with me by the unions, workers themselves, and others.
"We've had frank discussions around the table. I've also listened to miners in a number of crib rooms at mine sites around the state.
"They raised legitimate concerns with me and I took those concerns on board," Mr Wilson said.
The Minister said the review was led by two highly-respected occupational health and safety experts, each with many years experience in the mining industry.
"They closely examined the safety data against national and international standards. It was my intention that the safety data provided by mining companies be transparent, so that everyone could clearly see what was happening on the ground.
"The government, the community, and the men and women who work in our mines would expect nothing less," Mr Wilson said.
"The review team has made a number of recommendations which I will study in detail, along with feedback from my Ministerial reference group and other interested stakeholders, before making any decisions.
"What we have here is a warts-and-all report and I look forward to working with key stakeholders on the recommendations," Mr Wilson said.
The Ministerial reference group includes representatives from industry, government and the unions.
"At this stage, nothing is ruled in and nothing is ruled out. Key stakeholders no doubt share my passion that safety must be paramount in our mining industry. Nothing is more important than that," he said.
The Minister has presented copies of the report to members of his Ministerial reference group.
"We have one of the best mine safety records in the world and it is in everyone's best interests to keep it that way. There is absolutely no room for complacency.
"We have the best mine safety legislation in Australia but it must continue to be strongly enforced from the ground up.
"Those responsible for mine safety must fully play their part to ensure they never lose focus.
"They owe it to the men and women who work in the mines because they know more than anyone, the terrible consequences of a mining disaster.
"Mining is hazardous and therefore it is vital that vigilance be applied mine by mine, employer by employer, worker by worker.
The Minister said the State Government would officially respond to the report after considering feedback from stakeholders.
The report will be made available on the Department of Mines and Energy website at www.dme.qld.gov.au Stakeholders have until 30 November to provide their feedback.
Media Inquiries: Ellen McIntyre 3225 1819
"While the report shines a light on what is being done right, it also hangs a lantern on some of the problems in the mining industry," Mr Wilson said.
Earlier this year, the Minister requested an independent review into mine safety statistics following concerns that some of the statistics in the annual Queensland Mines and Quarries Safety Performance and Health Report did not accurately reflect the safety performance in some mines.
"I took action after becoming aware that the annual report had never been reviewed and after concerns were raised directly with me by the unions, workers themselves, and others.
"We've had frank discussions around the table. I've also listened to miners in a number of crib rooms at mine sites around the state.
"They raised legitimate concerns with me and I took those concerns on board," Mr Wilson said.
The Minister said the review was led by two highly-respected occupational health and safety experts, each with many years experience in the mining industry.
"They closely examined the safety data against national and international standards. It was my intention that the safety data provided by mining companies be transparent, so that everyone could clearly see what was happening on the ground.
"The government, the community, and the men and women who work in our mines would expect nothing less," Mr Wilson said.
"The review team has made a number of recommendations which I will study in detail, along with feedback from my Ministerial reference group and other interested stakeholders, before making any decisions.
"What we have here is a warts-and-all report and I look forward to working with key stakeholders on the recommendations," Mr Wilson said.
The Ministerial reference group includes representatives from industry, government and the unions.
"At this stage, nothing is ruled in and nothing is ruled out. Key stakeholders no doubt share my passion that safety must be paramount in our mining industry. Nothing is more important than that," he said.
The Minister has presented copies of the report to members of his Ministerial reference group.
"We have one of the best mine safety records in the world and it is in everyone's best interests to keep it that way. There is absolutely no room for complacency.
"We have the best mine safety legislation in Australia but it must continue to be strongly enforced from the ground up.
"Those responsible for mine safety must fully play their part to ensure they never lose focus.
"They owe it to the men and women who work in the mines because they know more than anyone, the terrible consequences of a mining disaster.
"Mining is hazardous and therefore it is vital that vigilance be applied mine by mine, employer by employer, worker by worker.
The Minister said the State Government would officially respond to the report after considering feedback from stakeholders.
The report will be made available on the Department of Mines and Energy website at www.dme.qld.gov.au Stakeholders have until 30 November to provide their feedback.
Media Inquiries: Ellen McIntyre 3225 1819