Australia’s toughest mine safety laws passed Queensland Parliament last week.
Receiving royal assent yesterday (25 May 2020) the Mineral and Energy Resources and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2020 introduces an industrial manslaughter offence into resources safety legislation, as well as other amendments to resources safety legislation.
It means executives face up to 20 years’ jail if Queensland mine and quarry workers are fatally injured due to criminal negligence.
Mines Minister Dr Anthony Lynham said the new sanctions bring the resources sector and its workers in line with other workplaces across the State, but with higher financial penalties.
The new laws also require people in statutory safety roles in coal mines to be mine operator employees – not contract workers.
The new laws are part of sweeping mine safety and health reforms under the Labor Queensland Government, and include:
- increased maximum penalties for offences to $4 million and powers for the regulator to issue fines without going to court.
- statewide safety reset sessions for mine and quarry workers to refocus on health and safety
- better detection and prevention of black lung, and an improved safety net for affected workers.
- $2.2 million for a mobile screening service to support the early detection and prevention of mine dust lung diseases
- $35 million to deliver reforms to improve the safety and health of our mine workers
- a commitment to tighter controls on mine dust levels
- establishment of an independent resources health and safety authority from 1 July.
For further information about industrial manslaughter or any other WHS policy matter, contact [email protected]
