MINES and Petroleum Minister Norman Moore has announced that the Western Australian Government will overhaul the safety system with a multi-million dollar fund injection.
The new regulatory framework for resources safety incorporates key recommendations from the Kenner Report.
Key components of the plan, which has been approved by State Cabinet and gained final funding approval, include, significant additional resources for the Resources Safety Division of the DMP, including more money to increase compliance activities by DMP inspectors.
Also, the implementation of an industry cost recovery model as well as a new approach to safety management based on evidence and risk, and focused on reducing the likelihood of a serious incident.
Moore says the introduction of a cost recovery regime will provide the funding necessary for an appropriately resourced safety regulator.
In the first six months of operation in 2010, it is anticipated that additional funding of $7.95million will be available.
Moore says the recent spike in fatalities occurring in the mining industry is unacceptable and has contributed to the need for urgent action.
State Cabinet has also approved up to an extra 37 full time staff positions available in the same six-month period with up to an additional 35 full time positions in the 12 months following.
Moore says it will take about two years, with the co-operation of industry, to make the necessary legislative and regulatory changes and to establish the inspectorate. He is urging the Opposition and union movement to support the plan.
Add a comment