Lynham drops ball on black lung report
MINES Minister Anthony Lynham has questioned the science behind a recommendation to lower dust exposure limits to keep miners safe from black lung in a bumbling media conference.
Dr Lynham admitted he hadn’t yet read key parts of the parliamentary inquiry’s scath- ing report into the re- emergence of Coal Workers’ Pneumoconiosis ( CWP), more than 24 hours after it was released. He unwittingly questioned international coal dust limits, made incorrect claims about current health screenings, and was unable to answer questions on key recommendations.
He also praised the “hardworking” public servants from his Department of Natural Resources and Mines, despite senior bureaucrats being savaged in the report for their stonewalling and the Public Service Commissioner being asked to review whether any had misled the inquiry.
Dr Lynham said he hadn’t had time to read the “900- page report” – it is actually 400 pages and has a 29- page executive summary containing key find- ings and all recommendations.
“I’ve had an initial review of the report,” he said.
Opposition Mines spokesman Andrew Cripps said coal workers needed action from the Minister.
“With catastrophic failures identified in this landmark report, Queenslanders need to be confident that the Mines Minister is across the detail,” Mr Cripps said.