This is a tragic loss of life and my thoughts are with the family, friends and colleagues of the miner who died at Carborough mine recently.

Sadly, this is seven workers on Queensland mines and quarries in the past 18 months and is seven too many.

This loss of life in our mining industry is unacceptable.

Our government, industry leaders, companies and unions have committed to working together on reforms to improve safety and protect our mine and quarry workers.

Queensland already has the toughest mine safety and health laws in the world.

However, when it comes to protecting life and limb, there is no end point.

That is why next year I will introduce legislation that will create the offence of industrial manslaughter in mining and quarrying workplaces.

That offence already exists in other Queensland workplaces, and our mine and quarry workers will have the same protections.

The Palaszczuk government is committed to protecting mine workers.

We have made sweeping reforms to better prevent and detect black lung disease among coal mine workers and provide a safety net for affected workers.

Two independent reviews are underway into mine safety and health and will report back before the end of the year.

Every day is another opportunity to improve, because the most important thing to come off a work site is a worker.

Dr Anthony Lynham

Minister for Mines

December 5 marked 2019 International Volunteer Day.

Cancer Council Queensland would like to thank all the incredible volunteers who donate their time in support of the 29,000 Queenslanders who are diagnosed with cancer each year in the state.

Volunteers give their time, skills, energy and passion which enables Cancer Council Queensland to enhance the services and support we offer across the state.

We would not have the reach and impact that we have without our wonderful volunteers.

This month I have been lucky enough to attend various thank you celebrations we have held in regions across the state to celebrate our volunteers incredible commitment throughout 2019.

I'd also like to thank all of the new volunteers who have joined us in 2019 and invite you to continue to make a difference in the lives of Queenslanders impacted by cancer in the new year.

From our cancer support volunteers, to admin or fundraising volunteers, each person who gives their time makes a difference and we cannot thank them enough.

Often our branch members and event volunteers, or those giving their time to help cancer patients through one of our support programs, are the first people on the ground offering a listening ear and shoulder to lean on in a time of need.

Volunteers are instrumental to our work and we would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all the incredible volunteers in the wider community who champion our cause.

For more information about Cancer Council Queensland and current volunteer opportunities, visit cancerqld.org.au.

Ms Chris McMillan

CEO, Cancer Council Queensland

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