Minister for Natural Resources and Mines Andrew Cripps released a discussion paper inviting industry comment on the model national legislation which aims to harmonise mine safety laws across Australia.

He said the Newman LNP government remained unconvinced that the national model legislation was in Queensland's best interests.

"Queensland is currently participating along with other states and the Commonwealth in discussion about the prospects of nationally-consistent mine safety laws. However the process is not without its concerns," Cripps said.

"My department is working through the COAG National Mine Safety Framework to ensure any new model laws are at least as effective as Queensland's current mine safety and health laws.

"Many share the view that Queensland already has the best mine safety legislation in the country.

"Queensland sees the merit of greater consistency across jurisdictions. However, this state will not allow itself to be disadvantaged by adopting model national legislation that lowers the high standards of mine safety that already apply in this state.

"Nor should we be disadvantaged by national legislation that diminishes the quality of mine safety training or causes additional ongoing costs for Queensland in the regulation of mine safety."

Cripps said it was important the mining industry had a say in future Queensland mining safety and health legislation.

Industry stakeholders have until July 23 to make a submission.

Cripps said the Queensland government was committed to ensuring that all mining activities were conducted safely with minimal risk to the 58,000 Queenslanders who work in the industry.

"Queensland already has one of the best mine safety performance records in the world and demanding state mine safety laws,” Cripps said.

"These laws were developed in partnership with industry and the unions.

"The Queensland framework has been, in some respects, world leading with its systematic risk management processes and systems and encouragement of a proactive safety culture at all mines.

"The question we pose to the resources sector is whether there is any justification for Queensland adopting change for the sake of administrative harmonisation with the national model work health and safety legislation.

"We will not be changing our legislation for the sake of administrative harmonisation. In Queensland, we put mine safety first."