The AWU and the Beaconsfield Inquiry

The Australian Workers’ Union is hopeful that the inquest into the death of miner Larry Knight will determine the cause of the collapse of the mine on Anzac Day in 2006.

" We look forward to the recommendations of the inquiry, and hope that the inquest will give closure to the family of Larry Knight," Paul Howes, AWU National Secretary said today as the inquest begins in Tasmania.

" Equally we hope that the inquest will also make recommendations on mine safety generally in Tasmania," Mr. Howes said.

AWU Tasmanian Branch Secretary Ian Wakefield said "The AWU continues to work on a daily basis with our members in Beaconsfield and with miners across the state on ensuring that events like the Beaconsfield mine collapse never happen asgain."

The AWU will not be making any comment about the case until the conclusion of the inquiry, the AWU National Secretary, Mr Howes, said.

The AWU, its members and the Knight family will be jointly represented by the legal firm Maurice Blackburn. Any inquiries about the case should be directed to the lawyers through Ms Meaghan Telford on 0437 586 093.