Click here for photo of QRC Chief Executive Ian Macfarlane.
The Queensland Resources Council (QRC) welcomes the Queensland Government’s decision today to defer commencement of the provisions requiring the direct employment of statutory position holders for twelve months.
QRC Chief Executive Ian Macfarlane said the deferral will allow a tripartite working group to consider issues associated with implementation of the provisions and possible solutions for consideration by Resources Minister Scott Stewart.
“The sector appreciates Minister Stewart’s willingness to listen to the concerns of the QRC and resources companies about the unintended consequences for employment arrangements and safety outcomes as a result of the changes,” Mr Macfarlane said.
“The Minister has asked Commissioner for Resources Safety and Heath Kate Du Preez to chair a tripartite working group representing coal mine operators, coal mine workers and the coal mines inspectorate.
“This group will provide input, consider the issues and propose possible solutions to problems associated with the implementation of the direct employment provisions, with an objective to deliver the best possible outcome. The report is due back in late-January 2022.
Mr Macfarlane said Queensland’s resources industry is looking forward to continuing to work with the State Government to ensure mining safety legislation continues to hold high safety standards and that companies can appropriately manage the unique safety risks at individual mine sites.
“Safety is the top priority for all companies working in the resources sector. We share the Government’s commitment to upholding the highest of safety standards, and the sector has participated in safety resets to ensure a constant focus on safety issues across the workplace.”
