Union Support For Trapped Miners and Their Colleagues

The thoughts and prayers of all Australian Workers’ Union members were with the three AWU members trapped in a mine in Tasmania and their families, the AWU said today.

AWU Tasmanian Branch Secretary Ian Wakefield said the three members had been trapped in the Beaconsfield mine, 40 kilometres outside Launceston, since a rock fall at 9.30pm last night.

"We remain hopeful that the rescue and emergency services teams will be able to get our members out," Mr Wakefield said.

"Union representatives will be meeting with the colleagues of the trapped miners later today, and we will continue to support them through this difficult time.

"The AWU will hold its own investigation into the incident, and will also co-operate fully with other investigating bodies."