November 20, 2025
The Mining and Energy Union has urged the Queensland Government against using a review into the state’s mine safety framework as an opportunity for political point-scoring on safety.
Queensland Resources Minister Dale Last yesterday tabled a Review of the Queensland Resources Safety and Health Regulatory Model in state Parliament.MEU Queensland President Mitch Hughes said:
“We welcome any constructive effort to improve mine safety.
“However, we’re concerned that the Minister is using this report as an opportunity to attack the regulator rather than a genuine commitment to lift safety standards.
“We are alarmed by the suggestion the regulator should wind back its focus on prosecutions. Families and communities want accountability when deaths and serious injuries occur in our industry.
“The Minister has had this report for over two months; but chose to not consult or brief our union or other stakeholders before tabling it in parliament.
“As we work through the recommendations and yesterday’s media release, we note with alarm that they do not align, as the Minister has already ignored the recommendation to maintain the role of the RSHQ Commissioner.
“We will continue to work with all stakeholders to improve safety outcomes for mineworkers and reject any attempt to turn mine safety into a political football.”