Mine safety in Queensland has been given a boost with the appointment of two experienced industry leaders to key roles.
Heidi Roberts has been appointed to the role of commissioner for Resources Safety and Health Queensland (RSHQ), while acting chief executive officer of RSHQ Robert Djukic will now take on the role for good.
Queensland Resources and Critical Minerals Minister Scott Stewart said Roberts brings a variety of experience to the commissioner position.
“(Roberts) brings a wide range of experience to the vital position which will work across the resources industry to ensure safety is everyone’s top priority,” Stewart said. “Roberts also helped lead reform in relation response to Black Lung disease in coal mine workers.”
Djukic has been with RSHQ since it was established in 2020 and was formally its chief operating officer.
“In Mr Djukic’s former role as RSHQ’s chief operating officer, he has overseen key milestones including the regulator’s response to the Coal Mining Board of Inquiry and the development and passage of the Resources Safety and Health Legislation Amendment Act 2024,” Stewart said.
Roberts said she is thrilled to accept the role of commissioner.
“I look forward to continuing to drive the culture of best practice and productive dialogue between industry, worker representative groups, subject matter experts and the regulator, so that resource workers in Queensland can enjoy the strongest protections in safety and health,” she said.
Djukic echoed similar sentiments.
“I strongly believe in RSHQ’s vision and purpose, and know we have an excellent team to deliver our important work. I am excited and honoured to officially accept the CEO role in a substantive capacity,” he said.
“I believe that clear communication, fairness and respect for persons are core to protecting safety and health and being an effective regulator – and these will continue being key focus areas of my leadership.”
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