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24/07/09Premier names Bell as State's Mine Safety and Health Commissioner
ROCKHAMPTON: Premier Anna Bligh today announced that Stewart Bell has been appointed as the State's first Mine Safety and Health Commissioner.
The Premier made the announcement while addressing Queensland Resources Expo (QREX) in Rockhampton.
Mr Bell is currently the Executive Director of Safety and Health Division in Queensland Mines and Energy.
"The safety of our mine workers is paramount and that's why we accepted and are implementing all 44 recommendations of a report by the Queensland Ombudsman in June 2008 about the Queensland Mines Inspectorate.
"This independent statutory position of Commissioner for Mine Safety and Health will reinforce the operational independence of the Queensland Mines Inspectorate.
"The Commissioner will provide advice directly to the Minister on mine safety and health issues.
"The Commissioner will act as an advocate for mine safety; and provide a written report to Parliament on the performance of the Mines Inspectorate.
"The Commissioner will also be responsible for commencing prosecutions under Queensland's various mining safety and health laws.
"Mine safety is not just an issue for workers; it includes mine operators and government as well.
"It is too easy to sit back and watch the TV commercial about dad not coming come from work.
"For far too many Queenslanders have had this heart-wrenching scene live in their living rooms and not part of some fictional TV scene.
"There are inherent risks in mining, but no stone must be left unturned ensuring that every miner makes it home at the end of his or her shift," she said.
"Sadly more than 1450 miners have died in mining tragedies in Queensland since we began mining in the 1800s," she said.
BACKGROUND:
Mr Bell holds a Bachelor of Applied Science (Chemistry) and has over 30 years experience and expertise in various aspects of mine safety and health, including extensive mine safety work in China and India. He has performed his current role for the past four years.
In this role, Mr Bell is responsible for the management and strategic direction of the coal and metalliferous mines inspectorates, petroleum and gas inspectorate and the explosives inspectorate. He also has strategic overview responsibility for Simtars, the Queensland Government's Safety in Mines Testing and Research Station.
Mr Bell is a Chartered Chemist and a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Occupational Hygienists and has over 30 years' experience in the control of coal mine fires and explosions and the application of occupational hygiene principles to the mining industry.
Mr Bell is the Chair of the Queensland Mines Rescue Service Technical Advisory Committee and the Coal and Metalliferous Safety and Health Advisory Councils. He is also the Queensland representative on the steering committee of the National Mine Safety Framework.
Media contact: Premier's Office 07 3224 4500
Last Updated 03 November 2009
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