Stephen Smyth

General Vice President, MEU Mining and Energy Australia 

Presentation title

"Why ventilation matters from a workers perspective”

Biography

Stephen Smyth joined the coal industry in his hometown of Collinsville over 30 years ago. He started as an open cut coal mineworker 1988 before moving underground at the Collinsville No2 mine in 1988. While working at various coal mines gained a 3rd class certificate of competency (Deputy), G3 Risk Management, Ventilation competency- manage, operate & maintain the mine ventilation system, SHMS competency all at the advanced diploma of underground coal mining management level.  

In 2000, Stephen started working full-time as an Industry Safety and Health Representative (ISHR) for the CFMEU Mining & Energy Division, first in a relief role then as an elected position from 2002. ISHR, or ‘check inspector, is a statutory position under the Queensland Coal Mining Safety and Health Act 1999 which provides powers & functions under the Act.  

In 2009, Stephen was elected to the role of District President of the CFMEU Mining and Energy Division Queensland, a role he held until 1st September 2023. He has now been successfully elected and moved into the General Vice President of the Mining and Energy Union Australia based out of Sydney.  

In the past 30 years, Stephen has undertaken all aspects of underground coal mining and surface mine activities and gained a wide range of competencies, qualifications, and experience.  

In particular, he has taken a strong interest in mineworkers’ health and safety.  

He has given evidence in investigations and inquests into serious and fatal accidents, participated as a reviewer on wardens’ inquiries, represented the union on a range of committees and assisted underground and open cut mines across Queensland in the development, review and continuous improvement of their safety and health management systems.  

Stephen has led the Union’s proactive response to the re-emergence of black lung in Queensland after 30 years, campaigning and winning substantial changes to the way mine dust lung diseases are diagnosed, managed and most importantly, prevented.  

He represents Queensland mineworkers in a range of national and international forums to hold multinational mining companies to account and deliver better outcomes for mine workers and mining communities.