The department is providing fair and efficient safety regulation for the State’s mining sector.
| Date: | Thursday, 12 January 2017 |
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An independent assessment has found the Department of Mines and Petroleum (DMP) to be an effective regulator of safety for Western Australia’s mining industry.
Deloitte Consulting found that DMP is collegiate, focused on helping industry and improving safety performance and appears to be more cost-effective than other safety jurisdictions in Australia.
DMP Acting Director General Dr Tim Griffin said the report found the department was doing a good job meeting community expectations.
"Industry is keen to see that the Government’s decision to fund mine safety through cost-recovery is effective and efficient," Dr Griffin said.
"Safety of workers is not something that should be compromised, so the assessment is good news for everyone.
The assessment was undertaken to determine whether the Mines Safety Branch was appropriately resourced and structurally organised to regulate safety in the State’s mining sector.
Representatives from industry peak bodies and unions were given an opportunity to input to the process, and documentation provided by DMP and other jurisdictions was also reviewed.
Dr Griffin said the report provided 19 recommendations for process improvements, many of which the department had started implementing.
The department consults about any proposed changes with the Mining Industry Advisory Committee (MIAC), the statutory body responsible for mine safety legislation.
The report and the department’s response are available on the DMP website.
