Chair, this is one of the sectors of the Department of Minerals and Energy that actually has enormous difficulty in recruiting staff. I mean, you're fighting against employers who pay people large amounts of money.
There is even a part that's quite cynical where they actively recruit skilled people because the mines are in a position to remunerate at such high rates. The problem that then arises is that you have vacancies and you can leave the vacancies funded or you can utilise resources differently.
Clearly arising from the many incidents that have taken place, the Minister has indicated that the oversight branch that deals with mine health and safety will have to be strengthened, but this will mean recruiting people to ensure that they can actually earn their spurs and remain in the department. Thank you.