The Queensland Government is restoring its resources safety framework, via appointing an interim Commissioner for Resources Safety and Health, as well as the launch of a comprehensive review into the state’s health and safety regulatory model.
Following the former Labor Government leaving the position of Resources Safety and Health Commissioner vacant for nearly a year — the Queensland Government has now appointed Ken Singer to lead the organisation while Resources Safety and Health Queensland’s (RHSQ) effectiveness is put under the microscope.
Singer will lead the organisation during a comprehensive review of RSHQ, which will examine whether the organisation, the Resources Safety Commissioner, and the supporting advisory committees are structured and functioning in a way that delivers the best safety outcomes for workers in the resources industry.
The review will look at the role of the regulatory and whether any modifications to the existing model or any alternative model, would be more effective in ensuring and improving resources safety and health outcomes.
Safe Work Australia reports the mining industry has made improvements in health and safety over the last decade, reducing the incidence rates of fatalities and serious injuries.
Between 2022-23, there were 10 fatalities in the mining industry. However, just a few weeks into 2025, multiple mining fatalities were recorded around the world.
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.
As of 3 April 2025, Safe Work Australia reports 26 workers have been killed, with one death in the mining industry in comparison to 11 mining-related deaths in 2024.
Queensland Minister for Natural Resources and Mines Dale Last says the review of RSHQ and appointing Ken Singer as interim commissioner will help fix “the mess left by Labor on worker safety”.
“Regional Queenslanders rely on a strong resources sector, and everyone that works in the industry deserves to come home safe,” Last says.
“Fixing this mess has been my priority since day one. We’ve gone through a thorough and diligent process to avoid the failures made by Labor.”
The Resources Safety and Health Queensland is an independent regulatory body of worker safety and health in Queensland’s mining, quarrying, petroleum, gas and explosive industries. It is focused on ensuring the protection of the safety and health of workers and communities affected by resources operations and explosives use.
Write to Aaliyah Rogan at Mining.com.au
Images: Unsplash
