A new era of mining for Queensland

The Mines Inspectorate is being revitalised to reflect a new, modern era of mining in Queensland, Mines and Energy Minister Geoff Wilson said today.

Minister Wilson told State Parliament that a national recruitment drive had swung into action to attract skilled mines inspectors and safety and health specialists to Queensland.

“We wanted to attract the best people to reap the benefits of a better career path backed up by better training and remuneration,” Mr Wilson said.

“This is about bringing on the next generation of mines inspectors and I’m pleased to advise that a team of mining safety and health professionals has now joined the ranks of the Mines Inspectorate.

“Among them, a new Chief Inspector of Coal Mines, a manager of safety and health for Central Queensland, and a new Mines Inspector for Mount Isa,” he said.

The Minister said the Inspectorate would also be reinvigorated under a restructure.

“Some senior inspector positions have been taken out of head office and transferred to regional Queensland. We’re moving officers out from behind their desks and into the field,” Mr Wilson said.

“A number of occupational health and safety officers have also been appointed to the Mines Inspectorate in the regions.

Extra funds of $3 million over the next four years will support incentive packages for Mines Inspectors. The extra funding will help finalise recommendations from a Review of the Queensland Mines Inspectorate.

41 out of the 42 recommendations have been implemented – four of those will require legislative changes. They are currently being considered by the Coal and Metalliferous Mining Safety and Health Advisory Councils with amendments expected to be introduced next year.

A new Diploma course for safety and health inspectors, also scheduled to start next year, will further strengthen inspection services and build on their skills base.

“These changes are exciting for the mining industry. Mines Inspectors now have a career path to match new training opportunities,” he said.

“There’s a greater focus on team-based, whole of site inspections, on top of what they were already doing.

“Queensland has one of the best mine safety records in the world and the best mines safety legislation in Australia and it’s in everyone’s best interests to keep it that way,” Mr Wilson said.

Media Inquiries: Ellen McIntyre 3225 1819