On 3 March 2026, the Resources Safety and Health Queensland and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2026 (Qld) (Bill) was introduced into Parliament. The Bill proposes to reform the State’s Resources Safety and Health Queensland’s (RSHQ) governance following a critical independent review of its regulatory model in 2025.
Introduction of the Bill signals the State’s continued focus on regulatory accountability and transparency within Queensland’s safety regime, which is of critical importance given the number of fatalities and other critical incidents that have occurred on Queensland mine sites already this year.
In addition to amending the RSHQ framework, the Bill introduces amendments to several key Acts including the:
- Mineral Resources Act 1989 (Qld) (MRA) to improve efficiencies across the mining tenement framework; and
- Mineral and Energy Resources and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2024 (Qld)(MEROLA Act), Land Access Ombudsman Act 2017 (Qld) (LAO Act) and Coexistence Queensland Act 2013 (Qld)(CQ Act) to support the transition of the Land Access Ombudsman (LAO) to a statutory body, implement revised governance arrangements, repeal the resource industry levy and cost recovery funding model.
RSHQ amendments
RSHQ is an independent statutory regulator established for worker safety and health in the State’s mining, quarrying, petroleum, gas and explosives industries.
Following five years of operation, the Queensland Government commissioned a review of the RSHQ regulatory model to assess its effectiveness (Review). The Review identified several deficiencies within the current regulatory framework including confusion around key safety roles in the industry.
In response to recommendations contained in the Review, the Bill proposes the following key reforms to ensure that the safety of resource industry workers is at the forefront of mining operations:
Establishment of a new independent governing board
A central reform proposed by the Bill is the establishment of a new independent governing board for RSHQ. The board, made up of five members, will provide strategic governance, guidance and independent oversight of the regulator, including monitoring the performance of RSHQ and guiding strategic direction.
The governing board will be responsible for ensuring that RSHQ operates effectively and independently in performing its statutory functions. The RSHQ board will engage with industry and workforce representatives to strengthen confidence in the safety regulator’s independence and effectiveness as well as enhance transparency and accountability across the safety framework.
Abolition of the role of the Commissioner
The Bill also proposes to abolish the statutory role of the Resources Safety and Health Commissioner (Commissioner). Under the existing framework the Commissioner has responsibility for providing leadership and oversight of the resources safety regulator. The proposed reforms transfer the functions performed by the Commissioner to the newly established governing board. These amendments aim to strengthen oversight and accountability, remove duplication and streamline advisory structures.
Strengthen advisory committees
The Bill also proposes reforms to expand the functions of the Coal Mining Safety and Health Advocacy Committee and the Mining Safety and Health Advisory Committee. These committees comprise representatives from industry, worker organisations and technical experts to provide advice on safety issues affecting the sector. The proposed reforms are intended to reinforce the importance of these advisory bodies and will provide enhanced independent advice on safety standards, legislation, guidelines and policies.
Other proposed changes
In addition to the governance reforms affecting RSHQ, the Bill also introduces minor amendments to the mining tenure and land access framework.
MRA amendments
Amendments to the MRA are intended to improve the administration of mining tenements making it easier for holders to manage their permits.
The proposed reforms include:
- removing the requirement to lodge a renewal application within the minimum time frame of 6 months, or within a period approved by the Minister, provided the application is lodged before the actual expiry date;
- clarifying that a mining tenement remains in force while renewal applications are decided;
- introducing a statutory requirement of a show cause process before consideration is given to cancel an exploration or mining tenement for unpaid rent; and
- replacing the outdated requirement for map lodgement with spatial data.
LAO amendments
The LAO is a free independent body established to investigate and resolve disputes relating to breaches of conduct and compensation agreements and make good agreements outside of court processes. The Bill proposes amendments to clarify institutional arrangements by providing that the Chief Executive Officer of Coexistence Queensland will hold the role of LAO, rather than the office being a separately appointed statutory position. The Bill also reforms the funding model for the LAO, which will continue to be funded by the Government.
While administrative in nature, the reforms are intended to streamline administrative arrangements and strengthen the alignment between the LAO dispute resolution functions and the broader land access framework administered by Coexistence Queensland.
Impacts on the resources industry
While the Bill primarily introduces governance and administrative reforms, the proposed amendments will strengthen the independence, transparency and accountability of the regulator and improve the legislative framework governing the resources industry to ensure it remains practical and efficient.
Next steps
Submissions on the Bill closed on Monday 16 March 2026.
The Primary Industries and Resources Committee has scheduled a public briefing on the Bill on Wednesday 25 March 2026 and the committee is due to table its report on the Bill on 17 April 2026.
We will continue to monitor the progress of the Bill and provide updates where necessary.