Who we are

Chief Executive Officer, RSHQ, Mark Stone

Mark believes in the right of every worker to a safe and healthy workplace. He is committed to improving outcomes in the resources sector by establishing RSHQ as an effective, risk-based regulator, supporting the industry in meeting its obligations to protect workers and affected communities.

Mark joined the former Resources Safety and Health in 2016, having spent the preceding two decades in the global oil and gas industry.

He holds a Bachelor Degree in Minerals Engineering from the Camborne School of Mines, a Master Degree in Petroleum Engineering from Heriot-Watt University, and is a Fellow of the institution of Engineers Australia.

Chief Operating Officer, RSHQ, Robert Djukic

With a background in law and experience in regulatory frameworks, Rob Djukic commenced as RSH Chief Operating Officer in 2017.

Rob believes fairness is a core principle to protecting worker safety and health, and being an effective regulator.

His focus for 2020 is to lead a smooth transition to the new RSHQ operating model, and support the opportunity to build our capability as an expert regulator.

Chief Inspector, Coal Mines, Peter Newman

From mining gold underground in South Africa in the 70s, to being appointed Queensland’s Chief Inspector of Coal Mines in 2019, Peter Newman has extensive practical experience and his qualifications include First Class Mine Managers Certificate (Qld & NSW), Honours Degree in Mining Engineering, became a Fellow of AusIMM, and is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (ACID).

As a member of the mines rescue team who responded to the Moura No. 4 mine explosion that killed 12 coal mine workers in 1986, Peter has experienced first-hand the tragic outcomes of inadequate safety on site. This experience drives his mission - to prevent workplace deaths and serious accidents in Queensland coal mines.

Chief Inspector, Mineral Mines & Quarries, Hermann Fasching

Starting out as an apprentice diesel and heavy machinery fitter at Mount Isa Mines in the early 80s, Hermann Fasching has more than 40 years' experience in the extractive mining industries.

His extensive experience is backed by qualifications that include Diploma of Engineering, Diploma of Government Workplace Inspection, Fellow of the Institute of Quarrying Australia and Certified Practicing Quarry Manager.

Having experienced the loss of a close family friend in an underground mining accident drove Hermann to actively pursue a career in health and safety. His conviction that a zero serious harm industry is achievable - keeps him focused.

Chief Inspector, Petroleum & Gas, William (Bill) Date

An Australian Army Officer for 35 years, Bill Date is no stranger to taking on challenges and providing leadership. In his first role in the petroleum and gas industry as Director of the Coal Seam Gas Engagement Unit, Bill led his team through many challenging situations between concerned communities and the burgeoning CSG industry. Supporting his practical experience are qualifications including a Master of Business Administration, Bachelor Professional Studies, and Diploma Resources Management.

During his Army career Bill experienced the heartbreak of families’ he had to inform of the loss of a loved one in the line of duty – it’s something he never wants to do again. That experience underpins his commitment to working with industry to achieve zero serious harm in the petroleum and gas industry.

Chief Inspector, Explosives, Alex Mandl

After a stint in the Australian Army as an ammunition officer, Alex Mandl joined Orica to specialise in health, safety, environmental and quality management. Professional opportunities took him around the globe with major explosives companies to destinations including Norway and Chile.

In 2018, after almost 4 decades working with explosives, Alex was appointed Queensland’s Chief Inspector Explosives. He is keenly interested in the management of risk and understanding why people don’t do it. As Chief Inspector he is focused on identifying key risks and working with industry to effectively eliminate or mitigate them.

Executive Director, Simtars, Nicolai (Nick) Ahlstrand

Nick Ahlstrand’s first role in the resource sector was project engineer on the BMA Goonyella Riverside underground coal development project in 2003. His qualifications include Bachelor of Applied Science, Master of Business Administration and Graduate Certificate in International Relations. He has completed executive education at Columbia Business School, is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, a member of AusIMM and a Certified Practicing Project Director (AIPM).

Appointed Executive Director of Simtars in 2016, he is passionate about improving sector safety and health outcomes. Nick is focused on ensuring Simtars continues to deliver critical emergency response capability and safety and health services to meet the current and future needs of the industry.

Executive Director, Occupational Health, Kerri Melkersson

Kerri Melkersson has more than 16 years’ leadership experience in personal injury, rehabilitation and return to work services. Having worked for many years in workers’ compensation she has witnessed first-hand the devastating effect work-related injury and disease has on individuals and their families.

Kerri is leading the digital transformation of the unit to better identify and address emerging health harms. Her purpose is clear – to help protect Queensland’s resource workers from preventable disease – so they go home at the end of shift, and their career, in good health.