The government wants to introduce legislation in Parliament to replace the current Coal Mines Regulation Act 1982 and is calling for industry submissions and feedback.

Minister for Mineral Resources Eddie Obeid said the government’s position paper, Safety Works, outlined the plans and gave everyone in the industry the opportunity to have their say. The community has until April 5, 2002 to make submissions about the proposal, he said.

"Making sure our laws are up to date to protect employees is the next stage in our $14 million program to improve safety in our mines," Obeid said. “The position paper represents the government’s continued commitment to ensure industry has the best possible standards of occupational health and safety.”

The release of the position paper follows the earlier release of the discussion paper Transforming Health and Safety Regulation in NSW Coal Mines. Comments relating to the earlier discussion paper were taken into account in developing Safety Works. The NSW government has worked with industry and stakeholders to develop this position paper.

"I urge everyone with an interest in protecting our mine workers to comment or make submission on Safety Works," Obeid said.

Copies can be obtained from the Department of Mineral Resources' website www.minerals.nsw.gov.au or contact your nearest DMR office.