Resources Safety and Health Queensland and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2026
Plain English Summary
Overview
This bill reforms the governance of Queensland's resources safety regulator, expands the Land Access Ombudsman's dispute resolution role, and modernises mining tenement administration. It responds to a 2025 review that found the current regulatory framework had limited oversight and accountability, unclear roles, and weaknesses in enforcement.
Who it affects
Resources industry workers gain stronger safety oversight through a new governing board. Landholders retain free access to an expanded dispute resolution service, while mining tenement holders benefit from simplified renewal processes and new protections against unfair cancellation.
Resources safety governance
Following a review that found significant gaps in RSHQ's governance, the bill abolishes the Commissioner for Resources Safety and Health and replaces the role with a five-member governing board. The board will set strategy, oversee performance and advise the Minister on safety matters. Advisory committees regain their function to review the effectiveness of safety legislation and standards.
- Commissioner for Resources Safety and Health abolished and replaced by a five-member governing board appointed for up to four years
- Board must collectively have expertise in governance, safety regulation, investigations, occupational health and financial management
- Coal Mining and Mining Safety advisory committees regain their function to review and advise on legislation, standards and guidelines
- RSHQ CEO reports to the board and must give effect to board policies and directions
Land Access Ombudsman
The bill supports the Land Access Ombudsman's transition to a statutory body with expanded functions including voluntary dispute resolution during agreement negotiations. It scraps the proposed industry levy and cost recovery fees, with government continuing to fund the service at approximately $622,000 per year. The Coexistence Queensland CEO is deemed to be the LAO, and CQ members form the advisory council.
- Industry levy and cost recovery fees scrapped — the Land Access Ombudsman remains free to use
- Expanded dispute resolution functions commence from 1 July 2026
- Coexistence Queensland CEO is deemed to be the Land Access Ombudsman
- LAO can delegate dispute resolution functions to appropriately qualified contractors
Mining tenement administration
The bill modernises the Mineral Resources Act 1989 by replacing map lodgement requirements with spatial data and simplifying renewal processes for mining claims, exploration permits, mineral development licences and mining leases. It also introduces a statutory show cause process before cancelling tenements for unpaid rent.
- Map lodgement requirements replaced with spatial data across mining tenement processes
- Minimum timeframes for renewal applications removed — holders can apply at any time within the allowed period
- Mining tenements continue in force while renewal applications are being decided
- Statutory show cause process required before cancelling a tenement for unpaid rent