Mackay Named Home Of New Mining Coroner

Respected barrister Wayne Pennell will become Queensland’s Mining and Resources Coroner, a major step towards giving families closure and answers.

The new role delivers on the State Government’s key election commitment to restore a vital justice service for Queensland’s resources sector, ensuring inquests are completed in a timely manner.

Mr Pennell will be based in Mackay after spending the first 12 months of his tenure in Brisbane. He served two decades as an officer in the Queensland Police Service before being admitted to the Bar of the Supreme Court in 2003.

In recent years he has gained significant experience as a member of the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal, a senior member of the Administrative Appeals Tribunal and as a general member of the Administrative Review Tribunal.

Amendments to the Coroners Act 2003 are being prepared to establish the Mining and Resources Coroner role.

The Coroner will conduct all coronial investigations into fatalities on the State’s mine, quarry, petroleum and gas sites.

Mr Pennell will conduct general coronial duties prior to legislation being introduced.

Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Deb Frecklington said the Mining and Resources Coroner would not only investigate fatalities but also conduct inquests and make recommendations with the full authority and power of a Coroners Court.

“The Crisafulli Government is delivering on its promise to put victims first and the Mining Coroner will ensure, if there is a tragic accident, that families can get the answers they deserve about what went wrong,” the Attorney-General said.

“Labor might say they stand up for workers, but their actions towards the hard-working men and women in the mining resources sector shows us the disregard they had for preventing incidents on site.

“This will be an expansive role and Mr Pennell, who has experience in policing, law and as a member of various tribunals, is very well qualified to assume this important position.

“It is also another vital boost to our courts as we deliver on our promise of faster access to justice for victims.

“When not acting in the capacity of Mining Coroner, Mr Pennell will be available to undertake other coronial duties, which will help to ease pressure on the justice system.”

Minister for Natural Resources and Mines Dale Last said establishing the Mining and Resources Coroner position sent a clear message about accountability for safety.

“This is about restoring a vital layer of accountability that Labor walked away from. The reintroduction of the Mining and Resources Coroner sends a clear message that worker safety comes first in Queensland,” Minister Last said.

“Queenslanders rely on a strong and safe resource sector, but safety continues to be one of the top issues raised with me as I travel around the State.

“The Coroner will be empowered to conduct full and fair investigations with the goal of delivering genuine findings and recommendations that boost safety for every resource worker in Queensland.

“Queensland’s resources sector has no future without its workforce, and we owe it to mining families that the system doesn’t look away when things go wrong.”

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Member for Mackay Nigel Dalton, Attorney-General Deb Frecklington, Minister for Natural Resources and Mines Dale Last, and Member for Mirani Glen Kelly stand united in Mackay as the Queensland Government announces the reinstatement of a dedicated Mining and Resources Coroner. Photo supplied

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