What we do
The passing of the Resources Safety and Health Act 2020 by Queensland’s state parliament on 17 March 2020 established Resources Safety and Health Queensland (RSHQ) as a statutory body, with a chief executive officer reporting directly to the responsible Minister. An amendment to the Act in May 2026 established a governing board to provide strategic leadership, guidance and independent oversight of RSHQ.
RSHQ is the independent safety and health regulator for Queensland’s mining, quarrying, explosives (including fireworks), petroleum and gas industries.
RSHQ focuses on ensuring the protection of the safety and health of workers and the communities affected by resources operations, with a vision of zero serious harm.
Legislation
We are responsible for administering safety and health legislation applying to Queensland’s resources industries:
- Coal Mining Safety and Health Act 1999
- Mining and Quarrying Safety and Health Act 1999
- Explosives Act 1999
- Petroleum and Gas (Production and Safety) Act 2004.
Legislative amendments
- Direct employment amendments to the Coal Mining Safety and Health Act 1999
- The Resources Safety and Health Legislation Amendment Act 2024
Governing board
The Resources Safety and Health Queensland and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2026 established the RSHQ Board to provide strategic leadership, guidance and independent oversight of RSHQ.
The RSHQ Board provides strategic direction and oversight, ensuring that the organisation operates in line with its objectives and complies with legislative and policy requirements.
In July 2026, the Minister for Natural Resources and Mines, Minister for Manufacturing and Minister for Regional and Rural Development issued a Statement of Expectations (PDF, 274KB) to the new RSHQ Board.
Advisory groups
RSHQ works with several expert groups to ensure industry safety and health policy, and its implementation is informed by tripartite knowledge and perspectives. The groups we work with include the:
- Board of Examiners, including Certificates of Competency for coal mines and metalliferous mines and the Practising Certificate Scheme
- Coal Mining Safety and Health Advisory Committee
- Mining Safety and Health Advisory Committee
- Resources Medical Advisory Committee.
Ministerial Direction
On 2 April 2025, the Minister for Natural Resources and Mines, Minister for Manufacturing and Minister for Regional and Rural Development announced a review into the effectiveness of Queensland’s resources safety and health regulatory model. On 15 May 2025 the Minister issued a Ministerial Direction to RSHQ, to fund and assist the chair of the review.
- Review of the Queensland Resources Safety and Health Regulatory Model
- 2025 Ministerial Direction (PDF, 151KB)
- The Terms of Reference - Review of the current Resources Safety and Health regulatory model (PDF, 256KB)
Related information
Last updated: 10 Apr 2026