After a report found “serious weaknesses” in Queensland’s resources safety system last year, the introduction of new legislation could now restore confidence in the state’s regulatory framework.
The “sobering” findings in an independent review into Resources Safety and Health Queensland (RSHQ) concluded that in its current form, the system was “letting down the very workers it aims to protect”.
Among the many issues it identified, the review found weaknesses in governance, confusion around roles, and a lack of clear accountability.
Nearly four months after the report was released, the Queensland Government has now announced plans to introduce the Resources Safety and Health Queensland and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2026 – with the proposal seeking to address RSHQ’s “deficiencies” and “deliver a world-class safety regulator”.
The reform package proposes establishing an independent skills-based governing board to strengthen oversight and accountability, streamline advisory structures, and remove duplication.
It is also pushing to discontinue the role of the Commissioner for Resources Safety and Health, with the statutory functions associated with the position to be transferred to the new board to “provide clearer lines of responsibility and stronger accountability”.
Increasing the functions of the Coal Mining Safety and Health Advisory Committee and the Mining Safety and Health Advisory Committee to provide independent advice and enhance resources safety and health policy is also included in the proposal.
Minister for Natural Resources and Mines Dale Last said the government acted swiftly to restore confidence and safety in the mining sector.
“The findings of the review we commissioned into the RSHQ were sobering – every worker deserves to make it home safe to their family,” he said.
“The legislation we’ve introduced is making Queensland safer for every mine worker and will restore confidence in the resources safety framework.”
The bill also reforms the funding model for the Land Access Ombudsman (LAO), which will continue to be funded by the government, with the LAOs independent investigation and mediation functions to be driven by Coexistence Queensland.
“[We want] to see more investment in Queensland’s resources sector, which is why we will repeal legislation that would put the onus on mining companies to fund the Land Access Ombudsman, removing unnecessary red tape and financial burden,” Last said.
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