WA mine penalties up for review: have your say

A review of the WA mine penalties and mining and petroleum legislation has been released for feedback.

The Department of Mines and Petroleum engaged Marsden Jacob Associates in October 2013 to prepare a report into how other jurisdictions apply statutory penalties and to identify possible options for strengthening the State’s penalty provisions.

Department of Mines and Petroleum Deputy Director General Michelle Andrews said the report was commissioned assist the department in its penalties review.

“The report has identified opportunities for improving the range and consistency of the penalties,” Ms Andrews said.

“It is important the penalties reflect government and community expectations.

“The resources industry is an important contributor to the State’s economy and the overwhelming majority of companies do comply the laws.

“However, it is important to send a strong, consistent message to companies that are found to have done the wrong thing.”

The review focused on six of the key Acts administered by the department and has now been released for stakeholder comment.

More information, including how to submit feedback by February 14, 2014, can be found on the Statutory Penalty Review page of the department’s website.