Make Safety their Monument

Mines and Energy Minister Geoff Wilson told State Parliament today that the tragic loss of lives over two centuries of mining was a sad part of Queensland’s collective history.

Minister Wilson said the history of workers, their struggle, and sadly the ultimate sacrifice of workers should never be forgotten.

“We must never forget our history. It’s important that we remember, so that when we hold it up to the light, years later, we can tell our children of the sacrifices made by the men and women who worked in our mines,” Mr Wilson said.

“It is for this reason that I commend an outstanding documentary – ‘Make Safety their Monument’ – a moving documentary with footage of some of Queensland’s worst mining disasters.

“It also describes the initiatives adopted by industry stakeholders in the pursuit of best practice on mine safety,” he said.

“I had the privilege of joining several survivors of some of those mining disasters last month when I launched the DVD at its Brisbane premiere.

“These events are recorded, not just in flickering black and white newsreels, but in the vivid memories of those families who lost loved ones. They are mining families and no one knows more than them, of the consequences of a mining disaster.

“There is nothing more important than safety in our mines and that’s why I’ve written to mining companies asking them to show this compelling, confronting documentary to every miner on every shift, and to staff, management and Boards of Directors of mining companies.

“I have also provided copies to the Parliamentary Library and I encourage Members of this House to watch it and reflect on how hazardous mining can be,” he told State Parliament.

The Minister congratulated the Queensland Mining Industry Health and Safety conference committee for the part they played in producing the documentary.

The committee is made up of representatives from the Department of Mines and Energy, the Queensland Resources Council, the CFMEU and the AWU.

“By doing so, they chose to Make Safety their Monument and to keep our history alive, as painful as those memories may be,” Mr Wilson said.

Media Inquiries: Ellen McIntyre 3225 1819