The Queensland Government has implemented its latest step to restore trust in the state’s resources safety framework, via releasing the terms of reference for a comprehensive review into the regulatory model for Resources Safety and Health Queensland (RSHQ).
The review, led by University of Queensland Professor Susan Johnston, will assess RSHQ’s structure and effectiveness in achieving safety outcomes for workers in the resources industry.
It will also examine the role of the regulator and whether any modifications to the existing model, or any alternative model, would be more effective in ensuring and improving safety and health outcomes.
Johnston’s final report is expected to be delivered by September 2025.
Minister for Natural Resources and Mines Dale Last says the review will provide a clear assessment needed to strengthen the regulatory model.
“We want a system that is responsive, respected, effective and meets the needs of Queensland’s high-vis heroes,” Last says.
As of 12 June 2025, 47 workers have been killed at work this year in Australia, as reported by Safe Work Australia. Out of the 47 deaths, one worker death has occurred in the mining industry, in comparison to 11 mining-related deaths in 2024.
As Mining.com.au previously reported, dozens of people had died in an abandoned South African gold mine after authorities allegedly cut off food and water supplies in a bid to halt illegal mining activity.
In addition, a methane gas explosion collapsed a coal mine in Pakistan’s coalfields, resulting in 15 workers’ deaths. In the US, there were two fatalities in the mining sector at the time of reporting in January 2025.
Resources Safety and Health Queensland was established in 2020 and is responsible for regulating the safety and health of workers in the mining, explosives, petroleum and gas industries in Queensland.
Four people lost their lives at Queensland mine sites last year.
In April, the state government appointed Ken Singer as interim Commissioner for RSHQ to lead the organisation while the review is ongoing. The commissioner position had been vacant for almost a year under the former Labor Government.
In addition, barrister Wayne Pennell was appointed as Queensland’s Mining and Resources Coroner, as Mining.com.au previously reported.
Write to Aaliyah Rogan at Mining.com.au
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