New laws create independent governing board, advisory committees to sharpen oversight of mine safety.
Queensland's resources safety watchdog will undergo sweeping governance reforms under new laws that the state government says are aimed at restoring confidence and improving protections for mine and quarry workers.
The Resources Safety and Health Queensland and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2026, introduced to State Parliament this week, gives effect to the government's response to last year's independent review of the Queensland Resources Safety and Health Regulatory Model by University of Queensland academic Professor Susan Johnston.
That review found that Resources Safety and Health Queensland (RSHQ), established in 2020 as an independent statutory body, lacked effective oversight and clear accountability for safety outcomes.
"The current resources safety and health regulatory model is intrinsically flawed, and does not provide for adequate oversight, and accountability of the regulator," the report concluded.
To address those governance gaps, the Bill proposes to:
Under the changes, the Governing Board will oversee RSHQ's strategy, budget and performance,...
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