The Crisafulli Government takes its commitment to mine worker safety a step further with the Resources Safety and Health Queensland (RSHQ) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2026.
The amended legislation includes the establishment of an independent skill-based governing board to remove duplication, streamline advisory structures, provide strategic direction, and strengthen oversight and accountability.
Likewise, the statutory functions of the RSHQ Commissioner will be transferred to the new board to provide “clearer lines of responsibility and stronger accountability”.
It will also expand the functions of the Coal Mining Safety and Health Advisory Committee, as well as the Mining Safety and Health Advisory Committee, to provide independent advice and enhance resources safety and health policy.
“Strong safety outcomes and a strong resources industry are not competing priorities — they go hand in hand,” State Minister for Natural Resources and Mines Dale Last MP says.
“These reforms deliver a modern regulatory system that restores confidence in the regulator’s safety framework and ultimately puts safety first.
“We back the workers and families who rely on robust safety standards, and a regulator capable of meeting modern expectations.”
Last reveals that the state opposition not only refused to support the amendments but even tried to block the legislation.
“They have deserted the mining industry, and they do not believe the more than 80,000 Queensland resources workers in our state deserve a strengthened safety framework,” he says.
“Despite Labor’s attempts to block this legislation, the Crisafulli Government remained focused on delivering practical reforms that strengthen integrity, improve governance, and reinforce public confidence in the system.”
RSHQ is the independent safety and health regulator for Queensland’s mining, quarrying, explosives, petroleum, and gas industries.
Write to Richard Szabo at Mining.com.au
Images: Resources Safety and Health Queensland
