Mines Legislation (Resources Safety) Amendment Bill 2017

Overview

This bill strengthens safety and health laws for Queensland mines in response to the re-emergence of black lung disease. It delivers 15 improvements including higher penalties, proactive duties on company directors, a new civil penalty regime, mandatory safety systems for small opal and gem mines, and broader inspector powers.

Who it affects

Queensland mine workers gain stronger protections and health surveillance, while mine operators, contractors, corporate officers, and suppliers face higher penalties, new civil penalties and proactive safety obligations.

Key changes

• Maximum penalties rise to match the Work Health and Safety Act, reaching 30,000 penalty units (around $3.8 million) for corporations where a breach causes multiple deaths
• Medical practitioners can be required to notify the regulator when they diagnose a mine worker with black lung or other reportable diseases
• Small opal and gem mines (fewer than 11 workers) must develop a safety and health management system, with a two-year transition
• A new civil penalty regime lets the regulator fine corporations 500-1,000 penalty units for prescribed safety breaches, with appeal rights to the Industrial Magistrates Court
• Corporate officers owe a proactive due diligence duty, replacing the old regime that only held them liable after the corporation was convicted
• The chief executive can suspend or cancel certificates of competency and site senior executive notices for safety breaches
• Inspectors can enter off-site workplaces (like electrical overhaul workshops) where activities may affect mine safety
• The Board of Examiners must keep a public register of certificate and SSE notice holders that employers can check without the holder's consent