Mines Minister hits the ground running on key issues

The process to establish a Mining Warden's Court in Queensland is 'very much underway', according to the state's new Natural Resources and Mines Minister. While still in Opposition, Dale Last (pictured above) announced LNP plans to ‘restore a vital justice service for Queensland’s resources sector’ through the re-establishment of the Mining Warden’s Court. It came after the death in October of Frank Thomas, 51, at Glencore’s Oaky Creek complex - taking the 2024 death toll from incidents at Queensland mine sites to four. "Establishing a Mining Warden’s Court was a key election commitment of mine that shows I am serious about addressing safety in the resources sector," Mr Last said. "The Mining Warden will act as a Magistrate and a Coroner. It will investigate fatalities in the mining industry and importantly make recommendations with the full force of a Coroner’s Court behind it." As the newly elected LNP government progressed this initiative, he said the next step would be starting the appointment process. This would be done in conjunction with the Attorney General, Mr Last said. "The resources sector also has an independent regulator, Resources Safety and Health Queensland, and I will continue to work with them to enhance the ways we educate and implement safety controls at sites," he said. Drive to streamline approvals processes Making a break from a 'culture of delays' when it comes to handling resources sector projects is another issue Mr Last has set his sights on. "I won’t be letting projects languish for years without a decision. Industry, investors, and communities will get a clear yes or no, so there will be certainty one way or another," Mr Last said. A key part of this push was the establishment of the Resources Cabinet Committee, which met for the first time on December 17, he said. "This was part of our 100-Day Plan and we’ve pulled together the key players in our ministerial team that have a direct impact on resources," he said. Related: State ‘walking the walk’ with new resources committee "The committee ensures a coordinated approach and open lines of communication going forward and will help to streamline approvals processes, giving resources companies certainty around their investment decisions." The committee members include Mr Last, as chair, as well as: Deputy Premier, Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning and Minister for Industrial Relations Jarrod Bleijie. Treasurer, Minister for Energy and Minister for Home ownership David Janetzki. Minister for the Environment and Tourism and Minister for Science and Innovation Andrew Powell. The committee's first task is to offer solutions to reduce delays and improve approval timeframes including actions that will reduce process duplication, simplify and align notification processes, and improve consistency in assessment and administration of applications. It is due to report back on its progress in February. You may also like: https://industryqld.com.au/amec-keen-to-drive-change-under-new-regime/

Mines Minister hits the ground running on key issues

Industry Queensland

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