Mine safety shafted by Seeney

Mines and Energy Minister Geoff Wilson said today that Queensland’s reputation as one of the safest places for mining in the world would be shafted if the Opposition ever came to power.

Minister Wilson said he was outraged by comments in Parliament by the Opposition Mines spokesperson about the new industry health and safety levy.

“Mr Seeney wants to shaft mine safety spending in Queensland – it’s as simple as that,” Mr Wilson said.

“Our levy will boost the safety and health services provided by the state’s mine safety watchdog – the Mines Inspectorate.

“The Mines Inspectorate provides vital safety and health services that help save lives. Nothing is more important than that,” he said.

The Inspectorate undertakes safety inspections and audits of mines and quarries around the state, investigates mine accidents, provides industry guidance and mentoring, and maintains annual safety and health statistics from every mine and quarry.

“With our levy, we’re asking for $26 million from an industry worth $26 billion to Queensland in 2006-07,” he said.

“Taxpayers shouldn’t have to foot the bill for these vital safety services.

“We have the best mine safety legislation in Australia and one of the best mine safety records in the world.

“It’s in everyone’s interests to keep it that way. I would’ve thought Mr Seeney recognised the important of mine safety, especially coming from a mining electorate,” he said.

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

“That’s where the levy will go – into vital safety services to make mining even safer for the men and women who work in Queensland’s mines. Nothing is more important than that,” he said.

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