- The Crisafulli Government introduces legislation to reform Resources Safety and Health Queensland, to restore confidence for Queensland resources workers.
- Reforms include establishing a new independent Governing Board to oversee RSHQ and strengthening roles of advisory committees.
- The role of the Land Access Ombudsman will also be expanded to improve mediation outcomes between resource operators and landholders.
The Crisafulli Government is making Queensland's resources industry safer by introducing legislation that will restore confidence in Queensland's resources health and safety regulatory framework.
The Resources Safety and Health Queensland and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2026 would implement the Crisafulli Government's response to the 2025 independent review into Resources Safety and Health Queensland.
The review, prepared by University of Queensland Professor Susan Johnston, found serious weaknesses in RSHQ's governance, confusion around roles, and a lack of clear accountability.
The legislation proposes to address these deficiencies and deliver a world-class safety regulator by:
- Establishing an independent skills-based Governing Board to strengthen oversight and accountability, streamline advisory structures and remove duplication.
- Transferring the statutory functions of the Commissioner for Resources Safety and Health to the new Board to provide clearer lines of responsibility and stronger accountability.
- Increasing the Coal Mining Safety and Health Advisory Committee and the Mining Safety and Health Advisory Committee functions to provide independent advice and enhance resources safety and health policy.
Minister for Natural Resources and Mines Dale Last said the Crisafulli Government has 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 Crisafulli Government wants 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."
"We are delivering a better lifestyle through a stronger economy by reducing industry costs so mining companies can get on with delivering jobs for Queenslanders."
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.
