On October 13, 1954 seven miners died in a mining tragedy.

The Collinsville disaster was the worst coal mining accident in Queensland since the 1921 Mount Mulligan disaster and it remained so for 18 years, until an underground explosion at Box Flat in 1972.

“We will remember the seven people who died that night in 1954. And we will remember all 26 mine workers who have lost their lives on the Collinsville coal fields since mining began in 1919,” Mines and Energy Minister Geoff Wilson said.

“We must never forget our history. It's important to remember so that we can tell our children of the sacrifices made by the men and women who worked in our mines.”

He said Collinsville played a key role in Australia’s labour and union movement.

“People here fought at the forefront of political and industrial struggle. It's timely, on this day, to reflect on what can happen if we are not vigilant about protecting the safety and health of mine workers,” Wilson said.

“I strongly support a mine worker's fundamental right to a safe working environment and a fundamental right to go to work and return home safely at the end of a shift.

“Nothing is more important than that."