Queensland coroner to examine resources sector deaths

The Queensland Government has reinstated a coroners role for the mining and resources sector to enhance worker safety with a justice service to cater to mandatory coronial inquests.

The mining and resources coroner will conduct mandatory coronial inquests into fatalities that occur at any Queensland mine, quarry, petroleum and gas site, and to provide answers sooner to victims’ families.

The coroner will also make recommendations to enhance worker safety and undertake other coronial duties, when not investigating mining-related matters, help to ease pressure on the justice system.

Queensland Attorney-General and Justice Minister and Integrity Minister Deb Frecklington says the bill will ensure that families get the answers they deserve sooner.

“The (Queensland) Government is delivering on its commitment to put victims first,” she said.

“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.”

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.

Queensland Natural Resources and Mines Minister Dale Last says the passage of the bill 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,” he said.

“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 (Queensland) 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.”