Grosvenor explosion: Bosses may not be forced to testify
The Queensland Coal Mining Board of Inquiry will restart next month.
Mackay
Don't miss out on the headlines from Mackay. Followed categories will be added to My News.
A law change to force witnesses to testify at a public inquiry into the Grosvenor mine explosion has still not been actioned a month out from the restart of hearings.
A second tranche of hearings as part of the Queensland Coal Mining Board of Inquiry begin mid-March.
The hearings will explore high potential incidents of methane exceedances that occurred at Grosvenor mine between July 1, 2019 and May 5, 2020 as well as the May 6 blast that left five miners with serious burns injuries.
The inquiry began in August last year but faced delays.
In September, the board's interim report called for legislative changes to avoid mine workers incriminating themselves when they gave evidence.
It urged the State Government to change the legislation.
"Counsel Assisting was alerted to the prospect of widespread claims of privilege against self-incrimination by many, if not most, of the Anglo employees to be called as witnesses," the report said.
"The board also has the power to compel the witness to provide all relevant evidence in public at the inquiry."
Resources Minister Scott Stewart said he was involved in regular discussions with the board about its request.
"In assessing the request, the government must weigh up a number of factors including persons' legal rights; the impact it may have on future prosecutions; and the ability of the board to do its work," Mr Stewart said.
"There is nothing to prevent the board from calling any eyewitnesses to the incident.
"Our government is committed to maintaining the most effective regulatory framework possible to ensure every worker in Queensland's resources industries goes home safe."
More stories:
Anglo willing to 'revise' production target at CQ mines
Board of Inquiry: MP seeks advice on mine report release
Mine inquiry announces second round of public hearings
The government's last chance to change the law in time will be at the first sitting of parliament next week.
It is understood the government is concerned any change to the law could jeopardise potential prosecutions arising from the Grosvenor explosion.
Subscriber benefits:
How to activate your free Courier-Mail subscription
Your dose of Harry Bruce cartoons
Five ways to get more from your digital subscription
WATCH: Semi-automatic rifle seized in stalking raid
A semi-automatic rifle and ammunition have been seized from a Queensland property with the discovery linked to allegations of stalking and deprivation of liberty. SEE THE VIDEO
$200k missing, 33 drinks downed: Why alleged DV abuser wants evidence dismissed
A man charged with assault and choking called for an interview to be dropped from evidence on account of his staggering drunkenness.
I spent thousands for my daughter’s specialist health care
Despite new treatment technology in regional Queensland women are still fighting an uphill battle for adequate endometriosis healthcare. FIND OUT WHY
Home ‘burnt to the ground’ in afternoon fire
Firefighting crews have been called to stop a fire which burnt a house to the ground from spreading in a rural town, with power now cut to the area.
Qld state school report card rollout delayed indefinitely
The Department of Education is investigating an issue with the rollout of student term 2 report cards being sent to parents and caregivers following a statewide technical glitch.
‘If there’s a will’: Councillor wants division vote during by-election
While a vote put a call for divisions to bed, one councillor insists the debate is “far from over” with his sights set on an upcoming by-election.