The NSW Mine Safety Advisory Council was established in 1998 following recommendations made in the Mine Safety Review and Gretley Inquiry. The Council was strengthened in 2006 and will aim to increase the emphasis on safety and health within the mining industry by reviewing and analysing safety performance, setting strategic directions, providing advice and developing policy recommendations.

NSW Minister for Mineral Resources Ian Macdonald has strengthened the role and capacity of the Council by:

• the appointment of two independent experts in OHS
• setting up a secretariat within the existing structure of the DPI
• making resources available, when appropriate through the DPI, on the Council’s recommendation to explore issues and commission research.

Mr Norman Jennings was appointed chairman of the Council in 2006. The chairman’s role is to assist in joint consideration of critical issues and consensual strategy development and decision making.

The Council includes senior officials from some of the most respected bodies in the mining industry including the CFMEU (Mining and Energy Division), Australian Workers Union, NSW Minerals Council and Cement Concrete and Aggregates Australia. Two independent experts in occupational health and safety have also been appointed to the Council.

The Council was established to provide the Minister with advice on critical OHS issues of importance to the NSW Government. The Minister will bring these matters to the Council for its consideration, requesting its advice on appropriate ways forward in the continual drive to foster improved OHS performance in the industry.

The Government will be looking to the Council for advice and strategic direction on a range of issues including:

• the Wran Mine Safety Review recommendations indicating Council action
• mining industry action plan agreed by stakeholders at the 2005 Workplace Safety Summit
• the roll-out of the new OHS legislative framework
• National Mine Safety Strategy Framework
• oversight of industry sector advisory committees
• performance measures.

The NSW Government’s vision is for the Council to operate in an environment of trust and co-operation to address these issues and that all stakeholders demonstrate a willingness to support the work of the Council and move forward on mutual matters of importance as one group. The Council meets at least four times per year.

Further information

Terms of reference for the Mine Safety Advisory Council

Members of the Mine Safety Advisory Council