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Mining SWAP

Breaking new ground

The mining Strategic Workforce Advisory Panel (SWAP) brings together mining industry leaders who are focused on driving better workforce outcomes for the sector. 

Their industry knowledge plays a vital role in delivering key industry insights that inform AUSMASA's workforce planning, industry stewardship and training product development initiatives. We rely on their mining industry insights to steer improvements in Vocational Education and Training (VET) mining training packages.

SWAP representatives include a broad mix of industry, union, peak bodies and education stakeholders, and are key decision-makers in their respective organisations.

Educational industry visits

As an industry-led Jobs and Skills Council, we prioritise direct engagement with our stakeholders. Our educational visits, especially for our SWAPs and staff, provide valuable firsthand insights into dynamic industry environments. These visits ensure we remain current with emerging technologies and evolving roles, maintaining the relevance and impact of our work.

Mining SWAP Representatives

Shane Roulstone

National Organising Director, Australian Workers' Union

Shane is the National Organising Director of the Australian Workers' Union (AWU), which strives to provide members with increased safety, job security, and better pay and conditions. The AWU has been a strong supporter of vocational education and training for decades and currently represents members on 6 industry job and skills councils across multiple industries. Shane has served on a range of mining and drilling industry reference committees along with a number of national and state-based industry safety committees. 

Stephen Watts

Industry Safety and Health Representative, Queensland's Mining and Energy Union

Stephen has worked in various staff and production roles in mining and mine contracting, as well as at a broad range of metalliferous and coal mines. As an experienced underground coal mine Deputy, he has been appointed by the Mining & Energy Union QLD since 2020 in a statutory safety role under the Queensland Coal Act to represent all coal mine workers, including performing safety inspections and incident investigations.

Stephen is a qualified trainer assessor and has been involved with various committees, panels and boards. He holds a current Second Class Mine Manager’s Certificate of Competency in Queensland.

SWAP selection process

SWAP selection process

SWAP members are selected based on their knowledge and experience in the mining industry and the automotive industry. They are usually leaders within their organisation who have demonstrated committee/advisory panel experience. 

All SWAP appointments are made in line with our SWAP Selection Process.

To gather diverse insights, we have selected SWAP members from a range of organisations, including industry, unions, peak bodies, and education providers, to provide diverse insights and skills.