- The Crisafulli Government is making Queensland safer, with the State's Mining and Resources Coroner officially commencing in new role today.
- Dedicated coroner will investigate reportable mining fatalities and provide grieving families with answers sooner.
- Role established after Labor axed the Mining Warden's Court two decades ago.
- The Crisafulli Government is delivering a fresh start and a plan for Queensland's future.
The Crisafulli Government is continuing to deliver on its commitment to make Queensland safer with the Mining and Resources Coroner appointed to the crucial role today.
Mining and Resources Coroner Wayne Pennell has hit the ground running and as part of his general coronial duties, is already investigating several mining-related deaths.
Mining and Resources Coroner Pennell's appointment restores a vital justice service for the resources sector after Labor abolished the Mining Warden's Court in 2001, putting the safety of workers at risk.
The Crisafulli Government is delivering a fresh start and a plan for Queensland's future, after a decade of decline under Labor.
The Mining and Resources Coroner will conduct mandatory coronial inquests into reportable mining fatalities that occur at any Queensland mine, quarry, petroleum, and gas site – and will also be able to conduct an inquest into a suicide of a mine worker if it is in the public interest to do so.
He will also be available to undertake other coronial duties when not investigating mining-related matters, which will help to ease pressure on the justice system.
Attorney-General and Minister for Justice and Minister for Integrity Deb Frecklington said the delivery of the new coronial role continues the Crisafulli Government's commitment to put victims first and make Queensland safer.
"When there is a tragedy, grieving families deserve answers, and a victim's colleagues deserve to know that an accident has been fully investigated," the Attorney-General said.
"Coroner Pennell brings significant investigative skills to his role, forged over 20 years with the Queensland Police Service, and I am confident his new role will help provide those answers to loved ones sooner, because safety on our mining and resources sites is an absolute priority for this government."
Minister for Natural Resources and Mines Dale Last said the Crisafulli Government was restoring safety to where you live for Queensland's hardworking mining families.
"When tragedies occur, the families of those victims deserve answers, and the hardworking Queenslanders who work in our resources sector deserve the confidence that lessons will be learned," Minister Last said.
"With the Mining and Resources Coroner now in place, the Crisafulli Government is putting the entire industry on notice that worker safety is not negotiable."
Coroner Pennell is currently working in Brisbane and will relocate to Mackay in 12 months.
