Safety and health levy to boost safety in Queensland mines

Mines and Energy Minister Geoff Wilson said today that the new industry safety and health levy would boost safety in Queensland’s mines.

The Minister’s comments follow claims by the Queensland Resources Council that the new levy could affect the independence of the Mines Inspectorate.

“Nothing could be further from the truth,” Mr Wilson said.

“We've entered a new era of mining in Queensland. We're in boom times when it's more important than ever to have an independent, highly-skilled and well-resourced Mines Inspectorate.

“Nothing is more important than the safety and health of the men and women who work in Queensland mines.

“This new industry safety and health levy will boost the services provided by the state's mine safety watchdog,” he said.

The Inspectorate provides vital safety and health services that help save lives. It undertakes safety inspections and audits of mines and quarries around Queensland, investigates mine accidents, provides industry guidance and mentoring, and maintains annual safety and health statistics from every mine and quarry.

“We're asking for $26 million from an industry that was worth $26 billion to Queensland in 2006/07,” he said.

“Taxpayers shouldn't have to foot the bill for these vital safety and health services.

“Queensland has the best mine safety legislation in Australia and it must continue to be enforced mine by mine, employer by employer, worker by worker.

“And that's where the Mines Inspectorate steps in. This new levy will fund seven new specialist mines inspectors, two investigators, five scientific research staff, an occupational hygienist, a statistician and a manager of health surveillance.

“Queensland has one of the best mine safety and health records in the world. It's in everyone's best interests to keep it that way," Mr Wilson said.

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