In a 90-second statement to the House of Representatives last week, the Member for Shortland labelled the senator “a grub” and “mendacious” for this comment: “Black lung is not an inherent problem when it is managed properly.”

Mr Conroy dared the senator to repeat the line at the annual miners memorial day that “commemorates the 1,800 men, women and children as young as eleven that have died in Hunter coal mines”.

Senator Roberts today told the Lakes Mail Mr Conroy had selectively omitted the context in which Senator Roberts made the comment, and that the MP did so for political gain.

“For those miners of the Hunter region that have suffered with pneumoconiosis [black lung] whether historically or as recently as this year, my thoughts and concern go out to them and their families,” Senator Roberts said.

“Mine safety and the safety of the men and women that continue to make our country great should not be the subject of such callousness, nor used to score political points.

“The truth is that Pat Conroy MP has taken my words relating to mine safety and duty of care, then misquoted me for political gain.

“What I actually said in my speech was: ‘Black lung is no longer a problem where coalmines have ventilated properly. The answer to black lung is the regulations in Queensland not being enforced, the CFMEU not doing its job and some coal operators not fulfilling their responsibilities. Black lung is not an inherent problem when it is managed properly’.”

Senator Roberts said Mr Conroy had set out to deceive.

“It is clear from an honest reading of my words that far from dismissing the problem of black lung I was calling for its effective management,” he said. 

Senator Roberts said his point was reiterated by the resources regulator chief compliance officer who said in reference to the tragic case of black lung disease this year: “Coal workers pneumoconiosis [black lung] is a preventable disease if appropriate dust control, atmospheric monitoring and worker monitoring measures are in place at mines.”