NSW calls a review of mining work health and safety laws

The NSW Government will undertake a review of mining and petroleum work health and safety laws and regulations next year.

NSW Resources Regulator Director Regulatory Programs Tony Linnane said the laws are due for review as the Work Health and Safety (Mines and Petroleum Sites) Act 2013 and Work Health and Safety (Mines and Petroleum Sites) Regulation 2014 have been in place for five years.

“By 1 February 2020, the Work Health and Safety (Mines and Petroleum Sites) laws will have been in place five years, meaning the Act is due for review and the regulation is shortly due for automatic repeal,” Mr Linnane said.

“These laws are very important and cover the obligations that mine and petroleum site operators have to manage the risks associated with their mining activities.

“The review will start in early 2020 and includes a public consultation process for stakeholder feedback. It will seek to determine whether the laws are meeting their objectives to ensure safe mining workplaces.”

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The Resources Regulator has engaged an independent specialist, Mr Kym Bills, to lead the review. He will be guided by a steering committee and assisted by departmental policy, legal and technical advice and support.

“Mr Bills has significant experience in high-hazard industries including offshore petroleum and transport safety, where he participated in safety legislation reviews.

“He was the project manager for the National Mine Safety Framework, a Council of Australian Governments Energy Council initiative to improve mine worker safety across Australia through consistent and efficient work health and safety laws,” Mr Linnane said.

Mr Bills is also Chair of the Board of Fellows for the Australian Institute of Health and Safety and a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and was foundation Executive Director of the Australian Transport Safety Bureau for 10 years.

The Review is due to deliver a final report to the NSW Deputy Premier the Hon John Barilaro MP by 1 November 2020.

More information, including terms of reference, are available on the Resources Regulator Have your say page.

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