Coroners (Mining and Resources Coroner) Amendment Bill 2025
Plain English Summary
Overview
This bill creates a dedicated Mining and Resources Coroner who must investigate and hold mandatory public inquests into all accidental deaths at coal mines, mines, quarries, and petroleum and gas sites in Queensland. It implements the government's election commitment to increase oversight of mining-related fatalities and ensure families receive answers about how their loved ones died.
Who it affects
Mining, quarry, and petroleum and gas workers gain stronger safety oversight, while families of workers killed in mining-related accidents are guaranteed a thorough investigation and public inquest with dedicated support.
Key changes
- A new Mining and Resources Coroner position is established to specialise in investigating mining-related deaths
- Mandatory inquests are required for all accidental deaths at coal mines, mines, quarries, and petroleum and gas sites
- Coroner's findings must be provided to the Attorney-General, Resources Safety and Health Queensland, and the relevant Minister
- Open investigations into pre-commencement mining deaths are automatically reassigned to the new Mining and Resources Coroner
- Pre-inquest conferences can now be held while related criminal proceedings are still underway
Bill Story
The journey of this bill through Parliament, including debate and recorded votes.
▸Committee12 June 2025View Hansard
Referred to Justice, Integrity and Community Safety Committee
The Primary Industries and Resources Committee examined the Coroners (Mining and Resources Coroner) Amendment Bill 2025 and recommended it be passed. The bill establishes the position of a Mining and Resources Coroner to be appointed by the Governor in Council, who would be required to conduct investigations and mandatory inquests for all mining-related reportable deaths. The committee also recommended that the Department of Justice consider publishing information clarifying how suicide deaths, mine dust lung disease-related deaths, and deaths during travel to and from mining sites would be investigated within the coronial framework.
Key findings (5)
- The bill establishes a dedicated Mining and Resources Coroner position, appointed by the Governor in Council after consultation with the Chief Magistrate and State Coroner
- The Mining and Resources Coroner would be required to conduct mandatory inquests for all mining-related reportable deaths
- The Queensland Law Society supported expanding the scope of the Mining and Resources Coroner's role, including to cover health care-related deaths on mining sites
- The Mining and Electrical Union agreed that health care-related deaths occurring on site should be considered reportable deaths
- Stakeholders raised questions about whether suicide deaths, mine dust lung disease deaths, and travel-related deaths would fall within the coroner's jurisdiction
Recommendations (2)
- The committee recommends that the Bill be passed.
- The committee recommends the Department of Justice consider publishing information clarifying how suicide deaths, mine dust lung disease related deaths, and deaths occurring during travel to and from a mining and resources site, would be investigated within the coronial framework and how these investigations intersect with existing regulatory powers.
Committee report tabled
▸Second Reading14 Oct 2025View Hansard
▸24 members spoke14 support2 oppose8 mixed
Spoke in the resumed second reading debate. While not opposing the bill outright, raised concerns about whether it goes far enough and flagged the ALP's intention to move amendments during Consideration in Detail.
“We will not be opposing this bill, but we will be seeking to improve it.”— 2025-10-16View Hansard
Spoke against the bill, arguing it does not go far enough to protect mining and resources workers and criticising the government's approach.
“This bill falls short of what is needed to properly protect the men and women who work in Queensland's mining and resources sector.”— 2025-10-15View Hansard
As Attorney-General, moved the second reading. Presented the bill as delivering on the government's election commitment to ensure all mining-related reportable deaths are thoroughly examined by a dedicated Mining and Resources Coroner.
“This bill ensures lessons from these tragedies will inform future systems and practices, restoring a vital justice service for Queensland's most important resources sector.”— 2025-10-14View Hansard
Spoke in support of the bill as a government member, highlighting the importance of a dedicated mining and resources coroner for workplace safety.
“This bill delivers on the Crisafulli government's commitment to establish a dedicated mining and resources coroner.”— 2025-10-16View Hansard
Supported the bill, speaking about the importance of the mining and resources sector to his electorate and the need for a specialist coroner.
“The families of those who have lost their lives in our mines and quarries deserve the certainty that a dedicated coroner will bring.”— 2025-10-15View Hansard
Criticised the bill as a broken promise that did not go far enough, noting Queensland Law Society, Mining & Energy Union and industry bodies all said the bill was insufficient. Tabled Labor amendments to address expert concerns.
“I rise to speak on the Coroners (Mining and Resources Coroner) Amendment Bill 2025—a bill that in its current form represents yet another broken promise dressed up as reform.”— 2025-10-14View Hansard
Supported the bill as representative of a mining and resources electorate, emphasising the need for specialist coronial expertise in investigating mining deaths.
“The people of Callide know all too well the risks that come with working in the resources sector, and they deserve a coronial system that understands those risks.”— 2025-10-16View Hansard
Did not oppose the bill but flagged significant concerns and supported ALP amendments to strengthen its provisions.
“We support the intent of establishing a mining and resources coroner, but the bill as drafted does not go far enough.”— 2025-10-15View Hansard
As Minister for Natural Resources and Mines, spoke passionately about the bill's origins in his commitment to mining families. Drew parallels between the Mining and Resources Coroner role and the former mining warden system.
“I made a commitment to the families of those miners who lost their lives in Queensland mines and quarries to provide answers.”— 2025-10-14View Hansard
Spoke in support of the bill as Minister for Resources and Critical Minerals, highlighting the government's commitment to improving safety in the mining and resources sector.
“This bill is part of our government's broader commitment to ensuring that every Queenslander who goes to work in the resources sector comes home safely.”— 2025-10-16View Hansard
As the member for a major resources electorate, strongly supported the bill and its establishment of a dedicated mining and resources coroner.
“Gladstone is the engine room of Queensland's resources sector, and the families in my electorate need to know that workplace deaths will be properly investigated.”— 2025-10-15View Hansard
Argued the bill was a broken promise, noting the government promised to restore the mining warden's court but delivered something far less. Accused the government of misleading mining families about the bill's ability to speed up investigations.
“The question is: why did the minister go around promising a mining warden's court and what happened to that promise?”— 2025-10-14View Hansard
Supported the bill, speaking about the importance of the mining and resources sector to her North Queensland electorate and the need for a dedicated coroner.
“Families who have lost loved ones in mining tragedies deserve the assurance that investigations will be conducted by someone with deep expertise in the sector.”— 2025-10-16View Hansard
Expressed support for the concept of a mining and resources coroner but criticised the bill's scope and the government's refusal to accept ALP amendments.
“We support the idea of a mining and resources coroner, but this bill needs to be stronger.”— 2025-10-15View Hansard
Supported the bill, emphasising the importance of workplace safety and a dedicated coroner for the resources sector.
“A dedicated mining and resources coroner will bring the specialist knowledge needed to properly investigate these tragic incidents.”— 2025-10-16View Hansard
As the member for a major coal mining electorate, spoke strongly in support of the bill from direct experience with the mining community.
“The people of Mirani have been calling for a dedicated mining and resources coroner for years, and this bill delivers on that promise.”— 2025-10-15View Hansard
As Attorney-General, delivered the minister's reply in the second reading debate, defending the bill and responding to opposition concerns before moving into Consideration in Detail.
“This bill delivers on a commitment this government made to the families of those who have lost their lives in the mining and resources sector.”— 2025-10-16View Hansard
Did not oppose the bill but raised concerns about whether it adequately addresses the needs of families affected by mining deaths.
“Families deserve better than what this bill currently offers.”— 2025-10-15View Hansard
Supported the bill, speaking about the importance of mining safety for North Queensland communities.
“A specialist coroner will ensure that lessons are learned from every tragic death in the resources sector.”— 2025-10-15View Hansard
Expressed concerns about the bill's scope while acknowledging the importance of the reform.
“We agree that a mining and resources coroner is needed, but we want to see the strongest possible legislation.”— 2025-10-15View Hansard
Supported the bill, highlighting the significance of mining and resources safety for his North Queensland electorate.
“The Burdekin electorate is home to some of Queensland's most important mining operations, and the workers there deserve this dedicated coroner.”— 2025-10-15View Hansard
Raised concerns about aspects of the bill while acknowledging the need for the reform.
“We want this bill to succeed, but it must be strengthened to truly deliver justice for families.”— 2025-10-15View Hansard
Supported the bill as a government member.
“This bill is an important step forward in ensuring justice and safety for Queensland's mining and resources workers.”— 2025-10-15View Hansard
Spoke as a former minister, raising concerns about the bill's adequacy while not outright opposing it.
“The test for this bill must be whether it actually improves outcomes for the families of those killed in mining incidents.”— 2025-10-15View Hansard
▸In Detail16 Oct 2025View Hansard
Opposition amendments (Nos 2 to 8) to expand the scope and jurisdiction of the proposed mining and resources coroner, seeking to broaden the types of deaths and incidents the coroner could investigate.
That the member for Gaven’s amendments Nos 2 to 8 be agreed to
The motion was defeated.
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Ayes (35)
Noes (50)
That the amendment be agreed to
The motion passed.
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Ayes (49)
Noes (35)
That the motion, as amended, be agreed to
The motion passed.
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Ayes (49)
Noes (35)
▸1 procedural vote
Vote to grant leave
Vote on whether to grant leave for the member for Gaven (Ms Scanlon, ALP) to move opposition amendments outside the long title of the Coroners (Mining and Resources Coroner) Amendment Bill 2025. The government voted against granting leave, blocking the amendments.
Permission was refused.
A vote on whether to grant permission — for example, to introduce an amendment or vary normal procedure.
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Ayes (34)
Noes (49)
Moved opposition amendments during Consideration in Detail seeking to expand the scope of the mining and resources coroner. The amendments were defeated in two divisions.
“We believe the bill can be strengthened to ensure the mining and resources coroner has the broadest possible jurisdiction to investigate workplace deaths.”— 2025-10-16View Hansard
Assent date: 20 October 2025
Referenced Entities
Legislation
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Sectors Affected
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