The Queensland government has initiated a sweeping review of Resources Safety and Health Queensland (RSHQ), aiming to reform the state’s resources safety framework amid concerns over leadership gaps and regulatory effectiveness.
The move follows revelations that the previous Labor government left the role of Resources Safety and Health Commissioner vacant for nearly a year, a decision that compromised worker safety and eroded public confidence.
Ken Singer, a mining industry veteran with four decades of experience spanning underground coal operations and senior safety roles, has been appointed Interim Commissioner.
His leadership will guide RSHQ during the review, which will scrutinise the regulator’s structure, advisory committees, and operational effectiveness.
The probe will assess whether the current model — unchanged since 2020 — requires modifications or replacement to improve safety outcomes for Queensland’s resources workforce.
“Regional Queenslanders rely on a strong resources sector, and everyone that works in the industry deserves to come home safe,” said Minister for Natural Resources and Mines Dale Last.
“But Labor’s chaotic approach put worker safety and public confidence at risk.”
The vacancy left by Labor saw a hastily appointed commissioner resign within weeks, exacerbating instability.
Minister Last emphasised the government’s commitment to rectifying past failures, stating: “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 review, led by Professor Susan Johnston and commencing in June, will engage industry representatives, unions, safety experts, and government agencies.
Its scope includes evaluating the regulator’s role and exploring alternative frameworks to strengthen safety protocols.
“RSHQ’s current model has been in place since 2020,” Last added.
“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.”
The announcement signals a pivotal shift in Queensland’s approach to resources safety, with the government pledging accountability and evidence-based reforms to protect workers in one of the state’s most critical industries.
