The Rudd Government continues its commitment to workplace safety with funding of $3.3 million over four years to implement the National Mine Safety Framework (NMSF) in the 2009-10 Budget.
The NMSF will deliver a nationally consistent Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) regime in the mining industry, providing a safer working environment for Australian mining workers.
Inconsistent regulatory regimes between jurisdictions have led to additional administrative costs for mining operators, reduced worker mobility due to training requirements, and inconsistent data collection.
The NMSF will improve the safety of workers; the efficiency of occupational health and safety regulation and monitoring; the capacity to identify health and safety trends in the industry; and workers' ability to seek employment throughout Australia in the knowledge that safety standards and practices are consistent.
The NMSF is a priority initiative of the Council of Australian Governments (COAG).
The States and Territories have also pledged substantial funding towards the implementation of the initiative.
"This is the most cost effective and efficient way to realise a nationally consistent OH&S regime for the mining industry. It is a great outcome for the industry and its workers," said Minister Ferguson.
The Commonwealth, State and Territory governments continue their cooperation on mine safety issues through COAG and the Ministerial Council on Mineral and Petroleum Resources.