The Queensland state government has passed legislation to safeguard the health, safety and wellbeing of resource workers.
The Resources Safety and Health Queensland and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2026 has passed through Parliament, delivering a direct response to the 2025 independent Johnston Review.
That review, conducted by Professor Susan Johnston, highlighted serious weaknesses within the previous regulatory structure.
The legislation modernises the governance of Resources Safety and Health Queensland (RSHQ) and ensures the regulator remains focused on protecting the health, safety and wellbeing of resource workers.
Minister for Natural Resources and Mines, Dale Last, said the reforms were about restoring confidence and ensuring the state’s 80,000 resources workers return home safely.
“These reforms deliver a modern regulatory system that restores confidence in the regulator’s safety framework and ultimately puts safety first,” Last said.
“Strong safety outcomes and a strong resources industry are not competing priorities – they go hand in hand.”
The new law will establish an independent, skills-based governing board for the RSHQ. This board will take over direction and statutory functions previously held by the Commissioner, a move intended to provide clearer lines of responsibility and stronger accountability.
The Bill also enhances the roles of the Coal Mining Safety and Health Advisory Committee and the Mining Safety and Health Advisory Committee, allowing them to provide more robust, independent policy advice.
The Queensland Resources Council (QRC) has welcomed the news, with CEO Janette Hewson describing the Bill as an important first step towards a better-functioning regulator.
“The QRC welcomes the Bill’s focus on strengthening governance and accountability,” Hewson said.
“These reforms respond to the Johnston Review and represent an important first step towards a modern, well‑functioning regulator and improving confidence in Queensland’s resources safety framework.”
