Frequently Asked Questions

QCMA is an advocacy organisation established by Queensland coal mine workers to support their peers in addressing workplace health, safety, and legal concerns.

QCMA aims to bridge that gap that currently exists between coal mine workers and the information they need to make a decision relating to an issue they might be grappling with.

No. QCMA is not a law firm. We can connect you to appropriate legal firms and individual lawyers that we think might be able to assist you.

QCMA was established by a group of Queensland coal mine workers who have witnessed a growing sense of despair among workers about raising legitimate health and safety concerns within coal mine environments.

Despite a recent report claiming that reprisal against coal mine workers for speaking out is "anecdotal," QCMA firmly believes that such reprisals are a harsh reality. The organisation was created to address this issue by providing workers with greater access to information and education, empowering them to self-advocate and protect their legal rights in the workplace.

QCMA's mission is to:

1. Ensure that coal mine workers can raise concerns without fear and contribute to a safer, fairer industry.

2. If a coal mine worker raises a health and safety concern and faces reprisal, that they have adequate support and resources to hold the parties involved accountable.

No. QCMA does not have members and does not charge a membership fee of any kind.

No. QCMA is not a union and is not affiliated with any union.

Advocacy Group: Focuses on promoting or influencing specific causes, policies, or issues on behalf of a group or the public. They aim to raise awareness, lobby decision-makers, and effect social or political change. Involvement can include a broad range of individuals who support a cause, not necessarily tied to a specific job or workplace. Anyone passionate about the issue may join or contribute. Often uses campaigns, public education, lobbying, and media to influence public opinion and policy. Their actions target broader systemic change rather than specific workplaces. Often offers free support services (e.g., education, resources) and refers people to law firms for formal legal representation, usually emphasizing pro bono or low-cost services, if applicable.

Union: Primarily aims to represent and protect the collective interests of its members, usually employees within a specific industry or workplace. They negotiate wages, benefits, and working conditions with employers. Membership is limited to workers within a particular industry, trade, or workplace. Union members share common employment concerns. Focuses on collective bargaining, strikes, and negotiations with employers to directly improve members’ work conditions and pay.

Law Firm: A business entity where licensed lawyers provide legal advice and representation to clients for a fee. Law firms are for-profit organizations focused on resolving legal issues, representing clients in court, and handling legal transactions. Operates on a fee-for-service model, so clients referred are expected to pay for services unless the firm handles pro bono work.

QCMA is a funded by private individuals who currently work in the coal mine industry. With limited resources, QCMA has elected to provide online consultation or over the phone appointments. We are preserving our resources and as such don't have a physical office at this stage. This means we have more resources to invest in growing QCMA networks to support coal mine workers.

If you are a coal mine worker and have an issue you would like to discuss with QCMA to find services to support you, you will be able to book a 20 minute complimentary consultation. Please fill in the contact form on the Contact page.

Yes, potentially—but also no, potentially. It depends on the union and the specific circumstances of your case. Union support varies, and you should always check directly with your union about what legal costs they might cover if you need their assistance.

1. What unions may cover:
   

   • Many unions provide assistance for unfair dismissal claims or issues directly related to workplace disputes.

   • Some unions may offer general legal advice or representation for certain workplace matters.

1. What unions may not cover:
   

   • Some unions might not cover legal costs for general protections claims or other complex legal actions.

   • Many unions do not support whistleblower actions due to the potential conflicts or scope of the case.

   • In certain circumstances, unions may decline to provide representation if the issue is outside their typical scope of advocacy or involves conflicts of interest.

How QCMA can help: In situations where your union cannot provide support—such as whistleblower actions, certain general protections claims, or cases they refuse to take on—QCMA could bridge the gap. We can provide you with access to tailored support, access to legal resources, or advocacy during these critical events.

Always clarify with your union what services they offer, and seek additional support if needed.

QCMA can offers guidance on how to document and report issues effectively, understand your legal protections, and navigate workplace policies.

Document the incident, gather evidence, and seek immediate support from your union (if you are a member), QCMA or legal professionals specialising in workplace rights AND the Coal Mining Safety and Health Act 1999 (Qld).

QCMA’s is commited to confidentiality. Any discussion you have with QCMA and its team will not be discussed outside QCMA.

Important! As QCMA is not a law firm, you should be aware any information provided may be subject to discovery in a court action, and is not protected by legal privilege.