According to the Rockhampton Morning Bulletin, Detective Sergeant Nick Williams said fake certificates could have been issued as far back as 2012.

He especially urged those in occupational health and safety and human resource management to check their certificates.

NACT targeted the Queensland coal industry and in an interview with business magazine INTHEBLACK last year Deasy said she was the state’s first female mine inspector.

She claimed NACT set itself apart by acknowledging prior learning and on-the-job training.

“[Our students] don’t have to sit down and do formalised training,” Deasy told the magazine.

“Everyone wants to be recognised for their work, so that’s where we come along and say, ‘let’s recognise it while staying within the vocational educational training requirements’.

“Like universities, you have to meet criteria.”

According to Deasy’s LinkedIn account, she worked for Queensland’s Department of Natural Resources and Mines in 2005-06 and had worked in safety roles at the Goonyella Riverside, Kestrel, Moranbah North, Crinum and Gregory coal mines over previous years.

DNRM issued a safety alert in relation to the news that also avoided mentioning Deasy altogether.

It made the following recommendations to mine management:

• Check training records and assess exposure to the possibility of fraudulent qualifications issued by training providers. This may include but not be limited to checking the registration of the organisation providing your training and the accreditation of the courses being provided;
• Ensure any risks arising from this matter are being effectively managed at your minesite; and
• Inform the Inspectorate of any anomalies detected in relation to this matter. This will assist the Inspectorate to participate in a proactive response, according to the nature and size of the risk.