An audit into the effectiveness of the Queensland’s Public Sector in reducing the risk of mine workers contracting lung disease has found that much more needs to be done.
In his report, Addressing Mine Dust Lung Disease, Auditor-General, Brendan Worrall assessed how effectively Public Service entities had implemented recommendations from independent reviews aimed at reducing the risk and occurrence of mine dust lung disease.
“There is still work to be done to deliver all the reforms,” Mr Worrall said.
“The Government initially supported, or supported in principle, all recommendations, but nearly one-third (31 per cent) of recommendations have since not been accepted and not implemented.”
The audit found that in the past three years, the Queensland Government had allocated more than $35 million to implement the recommendations of the three reports from the reviews.
“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,” Mr Worrall said.
“Most of the actions taken have been timely, as 40 per cent of the recommendations have been fully implemented.”
In addition, 28 per cent of the recommendations were partially implemented and were “on track” to meet the intent of the recommendations, Mr Worrall said.
However, that meant that 31 per cent of recommendations had not been accepted and implemented.
“There is still work to be done to deliver all the reforms,” Mr Worrall said.
“This includes establishing an independent regulator and funding model and developing criteria to assist those responsible for ensuring workers can return to work.”
The Auditor-General’s 146-page report can be accessed at this PS News link.
