Family of killed miner calls for stronger sentencing for mining corporations

Michelle Feltwell is calling for harsher penalties for mining corporations after her husband Gavin died in a tragic workplace accident four years ago. Gavin Feltwell, 59, was fatally struck by a torque arm that slipped from slings while he was working an underground night shift at the Moranbah North coal mine in Central Queensland.

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I thought I was dreaming.

The contractor operating the mine at the time, Mastermyne Contracting Services, pleaded guilty to failing to discharge health and safety obligations causing death or grievous bodily harm. The company was fined $310,000 and ordered to pay $54,973.44 in court and legal costs. Crucially, no conviction was recorded against the company.

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He was my world, he was my other half.

Mrs. Feltwell described the four years since her husband's death as the longest of her life, grappling with grief and the prolonged investigation process. She expressed deep disappointment with the outcome, stating, "It just doesn't feel like there's any justice at all." She believes the government has the capacity to impose more severe consequences but fails to do so, leaving her family feeling that the fine was "nothing."

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The moment I saw that I was getting a call from mum, my heart dropped.