Qld industrial manslaughter laws may deter top-level hires: LNP

With six mine deaths in a year, the State Government is considering industrial manslaughter laws. There’s just one problem, says the Opposition.

NEW industrial manslaughter laws for the mining sector sound very good in theory but could deter people from applying for top jobs because of the consequences should an accident occur, Opposition mines spokesman Dale Last says.

The State Government is considering introducing the laws in the wake of six deaths at mines and quarries in the past 12 months.

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Mr Last said he wanted to see the details.

“It sounds very good in theory but… we need to make sure that we’re not inadvertently prosecuting people who are genuinely doing their job and are caught up in a subsequent investigation,” he said.

“It could (deter people from applying for executive positions at mining companies); I would think it would be a major factor when they’re deciding to go for those types of positions.”

The CFMEU has long backed the introduction of industrial manslaughter laws in the mining and quarry sector, while the Queensland Resources Council has said the industry would need to see what would be gained before offering support.

The Government passed its industrial manslaughter laws in 2017, despite overwhelming opposition and agreeing to exclude the mining sector.

LNP mines spokesman Dale Last

Mr Last said most resources companies he had spoken to opposed the idea.

“They believe the current laws are sufficient and that a new offence of industrial manslaughter is not warranted,” he said.

Shadow attorney-general David Janetzki said the Opposition would move to establish a full parliamentary inquiry to review all aspects of mine safety, including the legislative framework.

“It’s clear with six fatalities in 12 months the system isn’t working,” he said.

Mines Minister Anthony Lynham is expected to give an update on the laws this weekend at a mining safety conference on the Gold Coast.

More than 11,000 workers, union and management representatives have taken part in “safety resets” on mine and quarry sites following the recent spate of deaths.

The conference will hear how the resets are proceeding.