Queensland employment, skills and mining minister Stirling Hinchliffe said Taylor would start a three-month secondment with the New Zealand government from January 16.

With more than four decades’ experience in the mining industry, Hinchliffe believes Taylor is the right man for the job.

“Mr Taylor … will help establish the role of chief inspector (extractives) in the High Hazards Unit of the Department of Labour,” he said.

His duties will consist of assisting in managing the day-to-day work of the extractives section.

Taylor will act as the chief inspector until a permanent appointment is made.

Hinchliffe said mine safety was a top priority and he hoped the Queensland mine safety expertise would help keep New Zealand mine workers safe from a similar Pike River disaster.

“When we received the news about the explosion at Pike River, we immediately airlifted mine safety personnel and equipment over to help,” Hinchliffe said.

“Queensland is recognised globally as having some of the best mine safety standards in the world and we offered our expertise and equipment to assist rescue efforts.

“Now, more than a year on, we’re still on the ground, offering help and assistance in any way we can.”

In addition to Taylor’s role as chief inspector, he will provide advice on the development of best regulatory practices for the New Zealand mining industry.