❓ Question on Notice regarding mine safety inspectors in the Kalgoorlie region, questioning staffing levels, priorities, and ministerial involvement in occupational health and safety concerns within the Goldfields mining industry. The Minister's response indicates increased inspector numbers are needed due to sector growth, not necessarily a safety crisis, and direct ministerial intervention isn't standard practice.
AnsweredQoN 2713Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
I refer to the articles in the
Kalgoorlie Miner,
dated Friday 16 April 2010, ‘Levy to Boost Mines Safety’, which in part states, ‘I am here to say very clearly that it is not good enough’, and, ‘the universal priority of workers in mining and resources companies must be the safety and health of the workers’, and also an article dated Saturday 5 June 2010, ‘Battlefield claims baffle Moore’, which states, ‘The safety of mine workers remains a priority’, and ‘the Department of Mines and Petroleum would begin recruiting eight new officers for the Kalgoorlie regional office, and it was anticipated the positions would be filled in the next six months’, and, ‘most of the positions would service the Pilbara and Kimberly area’, and ask -
(1) Can the Minister state how many inspectors are presently employed in the Department of Mines and Petroleum (DMP) Kalgoorlie region, in the following spheres and what is each specific job description, including salary for, -
(a) employees inspectors of mines;
(b) inspectors of mines;
(c) special inspectors of mines; and
(d) any other category of mines inspectors?
(2) Can the Minister state how many inspectors will be employed in the Department of Mines and Petroleum (DMP) Kalgoorlie region, in the following spheres and what is each specific job description for, -
(a) employees inspectors of mines;
(b) inspectors of mines;
(c) special inspectors of mines; and
(d) any other category of mines inspectors?
(3) In regards to the article in the
Kalgoorlie Miner,
dated Saturday June 5 June 2010, as referred to above, can the Minister state why there is a priority to increase the number of new officers for the Kalgoorlie regional office and anticipated the positions would be filled in the next six months when most of the positions would service the Pilbara and Kimberly area and it is obvious that they are needed there also?
(4) In regards to (1), (2), and (3), is it correct that this action taken indicates that there is a serious issue in regards to an occupational health and safety matter, in the mining industry in the Goldfields District?
(5) If yes to (4), why?
(6) If no to (4), why not?
(7) Can the Minister state when was the last time that he personally met with a group of employees, who were working in the underground and above ground mining industry, in the Goldfields District, and based in Kalgoorlie to listen to their concerns regarding occupational health and safety in their workplaces?
(8) If no to (7), why not?
Kalgoorlie Miner,
dated Friday 16 April 2010, ‘Levy to Boost Mines Safety’, which in part states, ‘I am here to say very clearly that it is not good enough’, and, ‘the universal priority of workers in mining and resources companies must be the safety and health of the workers’, and also an article dated Saturday 5 June 2010, ‘Battlefield claims baffle Moore’, which states, ‘The safety of mine workers remains a priority’, and ‘the Department of Mines and Petroleum would begin recruiting eight new officers for the Kalgoorlie regional office, and it was anticipated the positions would be filled in the next six months’, and, ‘most of the positions would service the Pilbara and Kimberly area’, and ask -
(1) Can the Minister state how many inspectors are presently employed in the Department of Mines and Petroleum (DMP) Kalgoorlie region, in the following spheres and what is each specific job description, including salary for, -
(a) employees inspectors of mines;
(b) inspectors of mines;
(c) special inspectors of mines; and
(d) any other category of mines inspectors?
(2) Can the Minister state how many inspectors will be employed in the Department of Mines and Petroleum (DMP) Kalgoorlie region, in the following spheres and what is each specific job description for, -
(a) employees inspectors of mines;
(b) inspectors of mines;
(c) special inspectors of mines; and
(d) any other category of mines inspectors?
(3) In regards to the article in the
Kalgoorlie Miner,
dated Saturday June 5 June 2010, as referred to above, can the Minister state why there is a priority to increase the number of new officers for the Kalgoorlie regional office and anticipated the positions would be filled in the next six months when most of the positions would service the Pilbara and Kimberly area and it is obvious that they are needed there also?
(4) In regards to (1), (2), and (3), is it correct that this action taken indicates that there is a serious issue in regards to an occupational health and safety matter, in the mining industry in the Goldfields District?
(5) If yes to (4), why?
(6) If no to (4), why not?
(7) Can the Minister state when was the last time that he personally met with a group of employees, who were working in the underground and above ground mining industry, in the Goldfields District, and based in Kalgoorlie to listen to their concerns regarding occupational health and safety in their workplaces?
(8) If no to (7), why not?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
12 October 2010
Responded by
Minister for Mines and Petroleum
Response time
35 days
(2) No, because the outcome of the current recruitment program is not yet known. However, it is expected that an increased number of inspectors will be employed. (3) Due to the growth of the mining sector and the record of industry safety performance, additional mining inspectors are required for all mining regions, not just the Goldfields. An increased number of inspectors based in Perth will be allocated to the Pilbara and Kimberley regions. (4) No (5) Not applicable (6) The increased number of inspectors is required to meet significant growth in the resources sector and to provide expertise and specialist advice to improve monitoring and regulation of safety. (7) No (8) It is not the role of the Minister to directly intervene in the administration of mines safety legislation, particularly as the legislation provides ample opportunities for any concerns to be raised with the regulator. Notice: This document is created or edited using unregistered or evaluation copy of rtLib valid for testing or development purposes only. To use it for productive or any other purposes please register it. You may purchase the license on http://www.rtlib.com
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