Queensland Enacts Landmark Law to Protect Resources Workers

• The Crisafulli Government is strengthening Queensland’s resources safety framework, with the Resources Safety and Health Queensland and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2026 passing in Parliament.
• The legislation ensures Queensland maintains a strong, modern and independent safety regulator focused on protecting workers.
• The passage of the Bill reflects the Crisafulli Government’s commitment to the safety of Queensland’s resource workers and their right to return home safely to their family.
• The Crisafulli Government is delivering a plan for Queensland’s future and a better lifestyle through a stronger economy after a decade of decline under Labor.

The Crisafulli Government has delivered on its commitment to strengthen Queensland’s resources safety framework, with the Resources Safety and Health Queensland and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2026 passing in Parliament.

The Bill sees the Crisafulli Government deliver its response to the 2025 independent review into Resources Safety and Health Queensland (RSHQ), prepared by Professor Susan Johnston, which found serious weaknesses in RSHQ.

The legislation modernises the governance of Resources Safety and Health Queensland (RSHQ) and ensures the regulator remains focused on protecting the health, safety and wellbeing of resource workers.

It’s just one of the ways the Crisafulli Government is delivering a plan for Queensland’s future and prioritising the safety of the State’s resources workers so they can return home to their families.

• Establish an independent skill-based Governing Board to provide strategic direction, strengthen oversight and accountability, streamline advisory structures and remove duplication.

Minister for Natural Resources and Mines Dale Last said the legislation ensured Queensland’s regulatory safety model is delivering the best outcomes for resources workers.

“These reforms deliver a modern regulatory system that restores confidence in the regulator’s safety framework and ultimately puts safety first,” Minister Last said.

“Labor refused to support this Bill. They have deserted the mining industry, and they don’t believe the more than 80,000 Queensland resources workers in our state deserve a strengthened safety framework.

“We will now establish an independent, skills-based Governing Board to strengthen oversight, streamline advisory structures, and remove duplication.

“Strong safety outcomes and a strong resources industry are not competing priorities – they go hand in hand.

“The Crisafulli Government backs the resources sector, and we back the workers and families who rely on robust safety standards and a regulator capable of meeting modern expectations.