The Queensland Government has announced the appointment of a new Commissioner for Resources Safety and Health and Resources Safety and Health Queensland chief executive officer (CEO).
The Commissioner for Resources Safety and Health is an independent advisor to the government and is appointed by the Governor in Council under the Resources Safety and Health Queensland Act 2020.
Resources Safety and Health Queensland (RSHQ) is the independent regulator of worker safety and health in Queensland’s mining, quarrying, petroleum, gas and explosives industries.
Heidi Roberts has been appointed as the Commissioner for Resources Safety and Health and Rob Djukic is now CEO of Resources Safety and Health Queensland.
Queensland Resources and Critical Minerals Minister Scott Stewart said Roberts was instrumental in helping to lead reform in relation response to Black Lung disease in coal mine workers.
“I want to congratulate Heidi Roberts on her appointment to such an important role,” Stewart said.
“She brings a wide range of experience to the vital position which will work across the resources industry to ensure safety is everyone’s top priority.”
Stewart also congratulated Djukic, who has been with RSHQ since it was established in 2020, on his appointment.
“I know the wealth of experience and knowledge he will bring to this role now and into the future,” he said.
“In Mr Djukic’s former role as RSHQ’s chief operating officer, he has overseen key milestones including the regulator’s response to the Coal Mining Board of Inquiry and the development and passage of the Resources Safety and Health Legislation Amendment Act 2024.”
Roberts said she is thrilled to accept the role of commissioner.
“I look forward to continuing to drive the culture of best practice and productive dialogue between industry, worker representative groups, subject matter experts and the regulator, so that resource workers in Queensland can enjoy the strongest protections in safety and health,” she said.
Djukic echoed similar sentiments.
“I strongly believe in RSHQ’s vision and purpose, and know we have an excellent team to deliver our important work. I am excited and honoured to officially accept the CEO role in a substantive capacity,” he said.
“I believe that clear communication, fairness and respect for persons are core to protecting safety and health and being an effective regulator – and these will continue being key focus areas of my leadership.”
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