The Queensland Government’s bill to establish a coroner for the state’s mining and resources sectors has taken the next steps, in an effort to make worker safety the highest priority.
The Coroners (Mining and Resources Coroner) Amendment Bill was passed in Queensland Parliament. The appointed coroner will be responsible for conducting mandatory coronial inquests at any Queensland mine, quarry, petroleum, or gas site, as well as providing timely updates and news to the families of victims.
Queensland attorney-general Deb Frecklington said that the coroner will bolster the state’s mining and resources sector.
“The Queensland Government is delivering on its commitment to put victims first,” she said.
“By having a coroner who specifically focuses on investigating mining-related matters, families or friends of anyone killed in a workplace accident on a site can rest assured that the incident will be thoroughly investigated.”
The mining and resources coroner will provide recommendations to prevent worksite deaths from occurring in the future, making the state’s resources sector safer.
The Mining and Energy Union (MEU) said that the bill fails to address the root causes of preventable deaths in the mining and resources sector. MEU Queensland president Mitch Hughes said the legislation establishing the coroner’s role is reactive and too narrow.
“A coal mine worker’s safety doesn’t stop at the gate. Where work is a possible factor, the death should be investigated,” Hughes said.
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