Coroner to Examine Deaths in Queensland Mining and Resources Sector
A new mining and resources coroner will focus on safety, investigations, and faster answers for families after workplace deaths.
A reinstated coroner’s role in Queensland will help enhance mining and resources worker safety at mine, quarry, petroleum, and gas sites, with a justice service to cater to mandatory coronial inquests.
The state government expects the coroner, which replaces the former Mining Warden’s Court, to deliver answers to grieving families sooner and make recommendations to prevent workplace deaths occurring into the future.
The coroner’s jurisdiction will also be able to examine the circumstances of death by suicide where it is in the public interest to investigate.
Attorney-General Deb Frecklington added that when there are no sector-specific deaths to investigate, the coroner could help ease pressures on the justice system by performing other coronial duties.
Author's summary: Queensland introduces new coroner role for mining sector safety.