The Coroners (Mining and Resources Coroner) Amendment Bill passed through Queensland Parliament today fails to address the root causes of preventable deaths in the mining and resources sector, the Mining and Energy Union said today.
MEU Queensland President Mitch Hughes said the legislation establishing the Coroner role was reactive and too narrow.
The Mining and Resources Coroner should be empowered to investigate mining deaths that may occur off-site but linked to work-related factors such as fatal car crashes following long shifts. Further, suicides of mineworkers in camps or other locations should be automatically investigated rather than left to the Coroner’s discretion.
“A coal mine worker’s safety doesn’t stop at the gate. Where work is a possible factor, the death should be investigated,” said Mr Hughes.
“We know that mining companies will always make a case that a mining death is not work-related, but suicide and vehicle accidents are major issues that are too important for our industry to ignore.”
The establishment of the Mining and Resources Coroner is no fix for the wide range of safety challenges in the industry, said Mr Hughes.
“We need stronger enforcement of existing safety laws, better fatigue management, and systems that protect workers before tragedy strikes.
“We don’t believe this role will drive the cultural and structural reform our industry desperately needs.
“Safety reforms must be worker-focused and forward-looking—not just administrative clean-up after a tragedy.”
Instead of relying on coronial investigations, the MEU is urging the government to invest in preventative measures, including:
- Tougher regulation and enforcement of safety standards
- Comprehensive fatigue and mental health management systems
- Accountability for companies that prioritise production over people
- Full utilisation of existing legislative provisions to protect workers.
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