THE DEPARTMENT of Mines and Energy has informed Mining Safety that on 3 June 2009 legislation was passed by the Queensland Parliament to amend the Coal Mining Safety and Health Act 1999 and the Mining and Quarrying Safety and Health Act 1999.
The authority claims that the amendments relate to the creation of the position of Commissioner for Mine Safety and Health and the powers and functions of the Commissioner as well as the extension of time for starting a prosecution in the event of a coroner’s inquiry into a fatal accident.
Furthermore, laws regarding the protection of persons making complaints or raising issues about safety and health at a mine and the protection from liability for inspectors and other officers have been changed.
The amendments to the mine safety legislation are scheduled to come into effect on 25 June 2009, except for the amendments relating to the functions of the Commissioner to chair the Advisory Councils and to commence prosecutions and to the extension of timefor prosecutions. These will come into effect when the appointment process for the Commissioner is completed.
The amendments were contained in the Mines and Energy Legislation Amendment Act 2009 and can be viewed here.
Add a comment