Experienced mining engineer Andrew Clough has been appointed Queensland Commissioner for Resources Safety and Health.

Resources Safety and Health Queensland (RSHQ) is the independent regulator of worker safety and health in Queensland’s mining, quarrying, petroleum, gas and explosives industries.

It is responsible for ensuring the protection of the safety and health of workers and community affected by resources operations and explosives use.

It was an honour to be appointed to the role of commissioner and he was looking forward to making a difference, Mr Clough said.

“The Commissioner for Resources Safety and Health plays an important role in the resources industry of Queensland as a source of independent advice to the Minister for Resources and promoting safety and health best practice across the sector,” he said.

“The commissioner also provides a crucial link between the tripartite stakeholders in the industry.

“Having worked for many years in the resources industry and for the regulator, I have a passion for improving resources safety and health and taking on this role gives me an opportunity to give something back to our industry.”

Mr Clough holds Bachelor of Engineering—Mining with First Class Honours, a Master of Applied Science—Mining Geomechanics, and Master of Business Administration and has extensive operational experience in the mining sector.

He was previously Chief Inspector of Mines in Queensland from 2013 to 2015 and a member of the Queensland Coal Mining Board of Inquiry from 2020 to 2021.

The new position includes Commissioner for Resources Safety and Health and chair of the safety and health advisory committees.

He was looking forward to working closely with all stakeholders, Mr Clough said.

“As tripartite advisory committees with representation from mine operators, mine workers and the regulator, the Coal Mining Safety and Health Advisory Committee and Mining Safety and Health Advisory Committee play a key role in improving safety and health outcomes,” he said.

“The advisory committees form an important part of the regulatory framework for our industry and I would like to recognise the members who give up their time to attend meetings and who often work out of session to complete tasks.

“Last but not least, I would also like to acknowledge the excellent work done by the previous Commissioner Kate du Preez who has left a lasting legacy through the performance of the role.”