Hon. Stephen Dawson inquires about the investigation into a fatality at Christmas Creek mine, the number of mine safety inspectors employed, vacant positions, and planned future employment numbers. The Minister provides details on the investigation's progress and staffing levels.

AnsweredQoN 518Legislative Council
Asked
11 September 2013
Portfolio
Mines and Petroleum

QuestionView source ↗

DEPARTMENT
OF MINES AND PETROLEUM — CHRISTMAS CREEK FATALITY
518. Hon STEPHEN DAWSON to the minister representing the
Minister for Mines and Petroleum:
I refer to the
recent tragic death of a worker at Christmas Creek mine.
(1) Has the
Department of Mines and Petroleum commenced an investigation into the death; and,
if so, when is the investigation likely to be completed?
(2) How many
mine safety inspectors did the DMP employ in 2012–13?
(3) How many
mine safety inspector positions are vacant as at today's date?
(4) How many
mine safety inspectors does the department intend to employ in —
(a) 2013–2014;
and
(b) 2014–2015?

AnswerView source ↗

I thank the member for some notice of this question.
(1) Yes. The
investigation commenced on 15 August 2013 and is expected to be completed
within six months. Should the investigation support a prosecution, advice will
then be sought from the State Solicitor.
(2) Sixty-six.
(3) Five positions are currently
vacant.
(4) (a) An
additional five inspectors will be recruited in 2013–14 to achieve 72
inspectors.
 (b) Seventy-two.

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