Mine safety report released

The Wran Mine Safety Review report, providing the framework for the Carr Government’s strong and detailed plan to further improve mine safety in NSW has today been released.

The report, released at the 10th Annual Jim Comerford Memorial Wall service at the United Mineworkers’ Federation of Australia headquarters at Abermain, in the Hunter Valley, contains 31 recommendations.

The Wall bears the names of almost 1,600 men and boys who have lost their lives or suffered injury since mining began in the Northern coalfields in 1801.

The review, headed by former NSW Premier Neville Wran AC QC, was commissioned in September last year.

The panel received submissions from all related parties in formulating its recommendations and response for the Minister.

Ms Jan McClelland, former Director-General of the Department of Education and Training was appointed to the panel to assist Mr Wran, together with safety experts:

• Jim Joy, Professor of Mining Safety and Director of the Minerals Industry Safety and Health Centre at the University of Queensland;
• Michael Quinlan, Professor of the School of Industrial Relations and Organisational Behaviour at the University of NSW; and
• Mr Peter Wilkinson, manager of the project to establish the new National Offshore Petroleum Safety Authority.

The report will be available from 12noon today (Sunday, 10 April 2005) by following a link on the home page of the Department of Primary Industries – Mineral Resources’ website: http://www.minerals.nsw.gov.au.