A SENATE committee has called for submissions to assist in its investigation of the re-emergence of ‘black lung disease’ among coal miners.

Coal workers’ pneumoconiosis, or black lung, hadn’t been a health issue for more than 30 years in Australia until last year when the first of a now reported six cases was diagnosed in Queensland.

While the Queensland Government has launched a five-point plan to tackle the issue, including a review of screening systems and mine safety legislation, chair of the Senate Select Committee on Health, Senator Deborah O’Neill said there are fears a backlog of yet to be examined medicals will reveal more cases.

“There are a number of worrying factors to this outbreak with reports of one case in NSW, and rising concern among mining communities and health professionals in Victoria, Tasmania and Western Australia,” Senator O’Neill said.

“The committee will examine issues around the detection of the illness and treatment for sufferers.

“In particular, the committee will look at whether reduced federal government hospital and health funding has affected the ability for the public health system to respond to the re-emergence of this disease.

“The committee will also consider whether the removal of Health Workforce Australia has reduced capacity for workforce skills planning in relevant areas of the medical profession.”

Queensland’s Natural Resources and Mines Minister Dr Anthony Lynham confirmed in January that of the Queensland’s 12 operating coal mines, one is exceeding coal dust limits.

Submissions are due by 26 February and hearings will take place in Brisbane on 7 May and Mackay on 8 May.

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