Reports today that the managers of Baralaba North coalmine waited more than 12 hours to report an onsite fatality to authorities, is yet another reason why there must be a full parliamentary inquiry into Queensland’s mine safety program.
LNP Shadow Minister for Natural Resources and Mines Dale Last backed the union’s calls for an explanation as to how a blatant breach of Queensland’s mine safety reporting laws happened.
“Serious questions also need to be asked about why so many mine safety roles have been and remain vacant under the Palaszczuk Labor Government,” Mr Last said.
“With the state’s chief inspector recently resigning, it’s clear all is not well with Queensland’s mine safety regulator.
“It follows six deaths in Queensland mines and quarries in the last 12 months and revelations that the number of inspections has fallen year-on-year from 1781 (2015-16) to just 1241 (2018-2019.)
“There can be no justification for the massive reduction in mining inspections implemented by the Palaszczuk Labor Government.
“Mine safety is too important to get wrong, and something is clearly going wrong in Queensland.
“Rural and regional mining communities deserve better.
“That’s why the LNP will move a motion to establish a full parliamentary inquiry into mine safety next week in Parliament.
“The LNP is calling on Annastacia Palaszczuk for bipartisan support.
“The mining safety regime in Queensland is clearly in crisis and the safety of miners is paramount, not petty politics.
“The Palaszczuk Labor Government’s neglect of safety is unforgivable.
“These alarming figures, vacancies and accusations underline the need for Annastacia Palaszczuk to call an immediate Parliamentary Inquiry into mine safety in Queensland.
“Only the LNP will continue to fight for a parliamentary inquiry into mine safety, because Annastacia Palaszczuk and embattled Minister Anthony Lynham aren’t taking the issue seriously.”
