Mine safety experts from across Queensland's coal industry will gather in Rockhampton on Monday for the 2026 Site Safety and Health Representative Conference. This week-long conference brings together worker representatives, industry inspectors and safety professionals to develop their skills and collaborate on stronger safety standards across the Queensland mining industry.
Hosted by the Mining and Energy Union Queensland District, the conference will provide practical training and discussions on key safety issues including mine inspections, serious incident investigations, fatigue management and worker health monitoring.
The conference will also discuss the growing concerns about Queensland's resources safety framework under the Crisafulli Government, with an eye to resisting any watering down of mine safety legislation.
Mining and Energy Union Queensland District President Mitch Hughes said the conference plays a vital role protecting the health and safety of Queensland mineworkers at a time when the state government has surrendered the issue:
"Our SSHRs are the front line of Queensland's strong mine safety standards. By bringing them together to share knowledge, discuss emerging challenges and explore ways to improve safety outcomes for workers, we’re empowering them to stand up and speak out on site."
“Queensland miners are increasingly concerned about the future independence of mine safety oversight under the Crisafulli government. This conference has to be a reminder that mine safety cannot be taken for granted.
“Every protection, every safety law has been a lesson inked in blood, through injuries and the loss of life across our industry.
“If we don’t stand firm now to uphold our standards, we will have to re-learn these lessons in the future.”
Sessions throughout the week will cover a range of mine safety topics including mine safety management systems, fitness-for-work requirements, health assessments, inspection processes and lessons learned from significant industry incidents.
The conference will also feature SSHRs sharing practical experiences from their own operations, highlighting the value of worker-led safety initiatives across Queensland's mining sector.
The 2026 SSHR Conference will be held at the Rockhampton Leagues Club from 15–19 June.
Interviews can be arranged on request.
Contact details:
Sarah Goodwin -0422 849 719
