The Mining and Resources Coroner will investigate fatalities in mines, quarries, petroleum and gas sites
The Queensland government has brought back the position of Mining and Resources Coroner to investigate fatalities and make recommendations to enhance worker safety.
The previous Mining Warden’s Court was closed in 2001, and has now reopened with the passing of the Coroners (Mining and Resources Coroner) Amendment Bill.
The Mining and Resources Coroner will conduct mandatory coronial inquests into fatalities that occur at any Queensland mine, quarry, petroleum and gas site to provide faster answers to families and improve worker safety through setting recommendations to prevent similar deaths in future, the government says.
The Mining and Resources Coroner will also be able to conduct an inquest into a suicide of a mine worker if it is in the public interest to do so.
The Mining and Resources Coroner will be available to undertake other coronial duties when not investigating mining-related matters, which will help to ease pressure on the justice system.
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“The Crisafulli Government is delivering on its commitment to put victims first,” Attorney-General and Minister for Justice and Minister for Integrity Deb Frecklington says.
“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.”
Minister for Natural Resources and Mines Dale Last says the passage of the Bill to establish the Mining and Resources Coroner serves as a solemn reminder of why safety must always come first.
“This year marks 50 years since the Kianga Mine Disaster, a tragedy that claimed 13 lives and left a profound mark on Central Queensland,” Last says.
“As we remember the lives we lost at Kianga and other mining disasters across Queensland, we must also pause and recognise the responsibility we carry today to make mine sites safer for the next generation.
“We must never be complacent when it comes to safety, and it’s with that spirit that the Crisafulli Government has acted swiftly on our election commitment to establish the Mining and Resources Coroner.
“The passage of this Bill through Parliament this week puts everyone on notice that worker safety is not negotiable.”