James McGrath (Queensland, Liberal National Party, Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister) Share this | Hansard source

The government does not support this motion. The diagnosis of black lung among coal workers is of utmost concern for all governments. We are all committed to—and the community expects—the highest possible levels of work health and safety. State and territory governments regulate workers compensation and work health and safety for employees working within their jurisdictions and have their own regulators to monitor and enforce compliance. Even though the Commonwealth does not regulate mining safety, it continues to work with state and territory governments to protect workers' health and safety. The government notes that the recommendations of the Queensland parliament's report are directed at the Queensland government and the coalmining industry in Queensland. We await their response to the findings and recommendations.