An audit of the Public Sector’s implementation of recommendations from independent reviews into the risk of mine dust lung disease has found that while improvements have been made, more work is needed.
The audit, conducted by the Queensland Audit Office, assessed how effectively Public Sector entities had implemented recommendations from the Monash Review and reports from the Coal Workers’ Pneumoconiosis (CWP) Select Committee.
It found that in 2017, the Government that stated it supported all Monash Review recommendations and supported, or supported in principle, all the CWP recommendations.
“The broad range of recommendations relate to the portfolio responsibilities of the Department of Natural Resources, Mines and Energy (DNRME), Queensland Health, the Office of Industrial Relations, the Department of State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning, the Department of Environment and Science, and the Public Service Commission,” the audit said.
“We also assessed how effectively the responsible Public Sector entities are monitoring and reporting on progress.”
It said it also addressed a recommendation from the Monash Review to conduct an independent three-year review of the Queensland Government Coal Mine Workers’ Health Scheme.
“Through effectively implementing or progressing most of the recommendations, the Government has improved how it protects the health and safety of coal mine workers and is contributing to reducing the risk of the disease,” the audit stated.
“Most of the actions taken have been timely, with 40 per cent of the recommendations fully implemented and 28 per cent in progress, but nearly one-third (31 per cent) of recommendations have since not been accepted and not implemented.”
The audit stated there was still work to be done to deliver all of the reforms.
“This includes establishing an independent regulator and funding model and developing criteria to assist those responsible for ensuring workers can return to work,” it said.
The full report can be accessed at this PS New link.
