BY BILL MASON
BRISBANE — ALP state backbencher Jim Pearce, MP for the seat of Fitzroy in the central Queensland coal-mining district, has threatened to resign from the Labor Party if longstanding concerns over mining safety issues are not addressed immediately.
Pearce, a former coalminer himself, warned on July 31 that he would join the ranks of Queensland independent MPs if nothing was done. He said he had repeatedly raised concerns about mine safety issues, particularly management of the Queensland Mines Rescue Service, but they had fallen on deaf ears.
He said his decision was prompted by the resignation of three station superintendents from the service after they ran foul of management. "The management has changed its focus from supporting an efficient and effective mines rescue service to a corporate focus. They are arguing about what side they are going to put their emblem on a new coloured shirt."
The Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union also warned of a 24-hour strike by the state's coalminers if urgent action on mine safety was not taken.
Pearce's threat prompted a swift response from Premier Peter Beattie's government, with mines minister Stephen Robertson flying to Emerald to talk to Pearce and union representatives on August 1.
Following the discussions, Pearce said he would put his resignation on hold for the time being, while a program of changes was developed, but that he would carry through his threat to leave the ALP if the concerns were not adequately addressed.
The Queensland Mines Rescue Service is a private training company, fully funded and operated by the Queensland mining industry, which is a major part of the problem, as the government claims it cannot intervene in its day-to-day operations.
From Green Left Weekly, August 6, 2003.
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