Audit objective
In this audit, we assessed how effectively public sector entities have implemented recommendations from the Monash review and reports 2 and 4 from the Coal Workers’ Pneumoconiosis Select Committee, which were aimed at reducing the risk and occurrence of mine dust lung disease.
Our audit included: Queensland Health, and the departments of Natural Resources Mines and Energy; Education (Office of Industrial Relations); State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning; Environment and Science; and the Public Service Commission.
Context
In the last three years, the Queensland Government has invested significant time and effort, and committed over $35 million, to implementing the recommendations of the three reports from the reviews.
Our conclusions
We concluded that through effectively implementing or progressing most of the recommendations, the government has improved how it protects the health and safety of coal mine workers and is contributing to reducing the risk of the disease.
Most of the actions taken have been timely.
Forty per cent of the recommendations have been fully implemented.
Twenty-eight per cent of the recommendations are in progress (partially implemented) and are on track to meet the intent of the recommendations.
The government initially supported, or supported in principle, all recommendations. But nearly one third (31 per cent) of recommendations have since not been accepted and not implemented.
There is still work to be done to deliver all the reforms.
There are a number of recommendations that still need to be fully implemented, and emerging related health issues (such as silicosis) that need continued attention.
For more information
For more information on the issues, opportunities and recommendations highlighted in this summary presentation, please see the full report on our website.