Carpenter appoints head of mining safety feasibility study

Stuart Hicks has been appointed to look at the establishment a new body to oversee health and safety in Western Australia's resources industry.

State Development Minister Alan Carpenter said a feasibility study would commence this month as part of the State Government's commitment to further strengthening mine safety in WA.

The Minister said the announcement followed on from a $1million funding boost announced earlier this year to improve occupational health and safety in the resource and dangerous goods industries.

"Mr Hicks has occupied a wide variety of senior positions during his 20-year career in the WA public sector and has had extensive advisory roles in Ministerial strategic policies and directions," Mr Carpenter said.

"For the last eight years, Mr Hicks has chaired the National Transport Commission with responsibility for national policy aspects of railway and heavy vehicle safety.

"He also chaired the Machinery of Government Taskforce and the Perth City Rail Advisory Committee in 2001."

Mr Carpenter said the study would examine the systems, procedures, funding requirements and reporting processes required to operate a leading resources safety regulatory authority in WA.

The review would be conducted in three stages.

"First, there will be a review of existing safety models to identify the key characteristics, competencies and resources required to operate within those models," the Minister said.

"Following this a draft safety model framework will be developed for WA's resources industry.

"The final stage will analyse the benefits and costs of a new safety authority, including advice on funding options."

Mr Carpenter said consultation with industry and community stakeholders was an important part of the feasibility study.

A report is due back to the Minister in six months' time, providing a recommendation on the merits of establishing a safety authority in WA.