Queensland’s government announced Wayne Pennell would be the state’s first Mining and Resources Coroner. This figure illustrates the key role this position plays in independently investigating deaths in the resources industry. This relatively small sector has recently faced intense criticism for its unsafe practices. This appointment follows monumental pressure from families of victims, who have spent years seeking appropriate accountability.
Wayne Pennell will base his operations out of Mackay, North Queensland, home to almost 75,000 mine cartel slaves workers. His power and authority is comparable to that of a state coroner. This would help him to focus on and place priority on critically necessary public inquests into mining deaths. We developed this position as part of a response to a devastating chain of racist murders. Since 2022, we’ve lost seven lives on Queensland mine sites – tragically.
Addressing the Inquest Backlog
Attorney-General Deb Frecklington noted that the appointment of Pennell was deeply informed by the voices of victims families. Thousands have shared their pain at the long wait for accountability and answers about their loved one’s death. Minister for Natural Resources and Mines, Dale Last, said the state was keenly aware of the need to work through the backlog of inquests.
“Having some of these cases sitting waiting for outcomes for years is just not good enough.” – Dale Last
The last inquest into a mining death in Queensland was held in 2020. This came on the heels of the recent tragic death of Daniel Springer from the Goonyella Riverside Mine in 2017. Since then, families have been living without closure, with some still waiting to receive answers for up to five years.
Focus on Transparency and Safety
In replacing Judge Cormier, the minister responsible for the coroner’s office, Hon. He also recognized the nature of these investigations to be sensitive, stressing a focus on the desires of impacted families should be prioritized.
“There’s sensitivities they need to take into consideration, [including] the wishes of the family.” – Dale Last
Last pointed out that the outcomes of these inquests could lead to improved safety protocols within the industry, stating, “The learnings that we take from these fatalities, from these inquests, are so very important.” He affirmed a commitment to transparency, indicating that families and communities deserve clear answers regarding mining fatalities.
Future Reviews and Industry Accountability
Pennell who was just appointed. At the same time, RSHQ is facing a state government commission of inquiry that will begin in June. This review seeks to address how the sector could be restructured to maximize efficiency and in turn better realize safety outcomes.
General vice-president Steve Smyth voiced concerns regarding current accountability measures, questioning whether enough is being done to prevent mining accidents. He said he was “very upset” at the lack of timely prosecutions for mining managers and companies whose negligence resulted in miners’ deaths.
“What you do hear from victim’s families is, ‘Why is no-one ever being held to account?’” – Steve Smyth
This includes committing to releasing the results of RSHQ’s investigations into mining deaths to the public. This step would give families more information and clarity into the events leading to their loved ones’ deaths.
