The Queensland Government has today announced the appointment of an Interim Commissioner for Resources Safety and Health, and the launch of a comprehensive review into the state’s health and safety regulatory model.
Ken Singer has been named to lead the organisation while RSHQ’s effectiveness is put under the microscope.
Mr Singer brings experienced, credible leadership to the role with almost four decades of experience in the mining sector, from underground coal mines to senior regulatory and safety leadership roles, said Minister for Natural Resources and Mines, Dale Last.
Mr Singer will lead the organisation during a comprehensive review of RSHQ, which will examine whether the organisation, the Resources Safety Commissioner, and the supporting advisory committees are structured and functioning in a way that delivers the best safety outcomes for workers in the resources industry.
The review will look at the role of the regulator, and whether any modifications to the existing model, or any alternative model, would be more effective in ensuring and improving resources safety and health outcomes.
“Regional Queenslanders rely on a strong resources sector, and everyone that works in the industry deserves to come home safe. But Labor’s chaotic approach put worker safety and public confidence at risk,” Minister Last said.
“Fixing this mess has been my priority since day one. We’ve gone through a thorough and diligent process to avoid the failures made by Labor.
“The Crisafulli Government is doing the hard work to keep workers safe and ensure the regulatory environment in our state is working as effectively as Queenslanders expect.
“RSHQ’s current model has been in place since 2020. Now is the right time for a stocktake, to ensure it can deliver the best safety outcomes for workers in the resources industry.
“This review will be consultative, engaging industry, safety experts, government agencies and unions.
“The appointment of Ken Singer and the launch of this review marks an important reset that puts safety, credibility, and trust back at the heart of our resources safety system,” he said.
