The Queensland Government has announced it is seeking feedback from the resources sector on the proposal to harmonise the state’s mine safety legislation with other states.

 

State Minister for Natural Resources and Mines Andrew Cripps released a discussion paper inviting industry stakeholders to comment on the model national legislation which aims to harmonise mine safety laws across the country.

 

“Queensland is currently participating along with other states and the Commonwealth in discussion about the prospects of nationally-consistent mine safety laws. However the process is not without its concerns,” Mr Cripps said. 

“My department is working through the COAG National Mine Safety Framework (NMSF) to ensure any new model laws are at least as effective as Queensland’s current mine safety and health laws.“

 

However, Mr Cripps said the State Government would refuse to compromise on safety for the sake of harmonisation.

 

“The question we pose to the resources sector is whether there is any justification for Queensland adopting change for the sake of administrative harmonisation with the national Model Work Health and Safety legislation,” Mr Cripps said.

 

Industry stakeholders have until Monday 23 July 2012 to provide the State Government with a submission.