New Chair for NSW Mine Safety Advisory Council

The NSW Mine Safety Advisory Council (MSAC) has appointed John Hannaford as its Chairman. MSAC provides advice to the Minister for Resources and Energy on work health and safety in the NSW mining industry. Hannaford’s appointment as Chair of the Council follows the death of Norman Jennings late last year. Jennings had held the role since 2006.

Hannaford has held senior roles in state government including leader of the House, Minister for Industrial Relations and Vice President of the Executive Council, Minister for State Development, Minister for Health and Community Services, and Attorney General. The Council includes senior officials from industry bodies in the mining industry including the CFMEU (Mining and Energy Division), Australian Workers Union, NSW Minerals Council and Cement Concrete and Aggregates Australia.

Initiatives led by MSAC aim to improve the health and safety culture in the state’s billion-dollar mining industry. Some recent initiatives include workshops for driver safety, promoting safety beyond the mine gate and special health and safety grant programs such as the Mudgee Community Grants program.