OPINION: NO MORE NAMES ON THE MEMORIAL WALL

In August, we received the devastating news that one of our own had been killed at work. Paul Phillips, 59, was fatally struck by a Mobile Processing Unit (MPU) at United Wambo Open Cut in the early afternoon of Monday, 3 August. Paul, a Singleton local and proud MEU member, is survived by three adult sons and a grandson.

Paul was an experienced shotfirer who had worked across a number of Hunter Valley pits over many years, including several years as an MEU delegate. Known to workmates and loved ones as ‘Doc’, ‘Dr Phil’, ‘PP’ and ‘Chook’, Paul was a highly regarded and staunch unionist. He was known for standing his ground on safety and workplace rights and would never walk past an injustice without speaking up.

As a member of the Mining and Energy Union, Paul’s family have received a death benefit paid from the Union’s mortality fund. No amount of money can make up for the loss of a beloved father, brother and grandfather, but we hope this support helps ease some of the financial burden arising from Paul’s premature and tragic death and allows his loved ones the space to grieve.

The MEU will assist the major investigation unit from the NSW Resources Regulator with the ongoing investigation, as required.

Paul’s death must also make us reflect on the heavy human toll of our industry and on the mineworkers who never made it home at the end of their shift. On Sunday 13 September, the Northern Mining and NSW Energy District will host our annual Memorial Day Service, where we recognise the heavy price our communities have paid throughout the history of mining in our region.

This year, we will add Paul’s name to the Jim Comerford Memorial Wall.

Adding a new name to the Memorial Wall is always a tragic occasion, made all the more painful while Paul’s death remains so raw. He will join far too many others, aged from 9 to 80 who were killed in the Hunter Valley mining industry from the days of convict settlement to today. Every name on the Memorial Wall represents an individual tragedy, a terrible loss and a death that should have been avoided.

The Memorial Day Service is a time for reflection and solidarity. It allows us to share the burden of grief and to stand with community members who continue to feel the profound pain of losing a loved one at work.

It is also a day to recommit ourselves to safety and accountability, and to recognise that everyone has a role to play in maintaining a safe and healthy workplace. Reporting hazards, following safe work procedures and refusing unsafe work are all ways workers can contribute to a strong culture of safety. We also reaffirm the critical role of our Industry Safety and Health Representatives and Site Safety and Health Representatives.

The Jim Comerford Memorial Wall should be a record of the past. Let’s make that our aim. Reflection must lead to action, because the most powerful way to honour those on the Memorial Wall is to ensure no one else is added.

Robin Williams

MEU Northern Mining and NSW Energy District President