My name is Simon Turner.

I was employed at BHP’s Mt Arthur Coal Mine, where I worked hard under the belief that I was protected by Australia’s industrial laws.

Instead, I was misclassified, underpaid, and denied entitlements guaranteed under the Black Coal Mining Industry Award. When I became injured and permanently disabled, I was further denied my workers’ compensation rights.

I blew the whistle on what was happening — not just to me, but to thousands of coal workers who’ve suffered the same fate. My evidence reached the Fair Work Commission, the Federal Court, Senator Malcolm Roberts, Tania Constable (Minerals Council CEO), and many others. But instead of justice, I was met with silence and betrayal.

In a meeting at Parliament House, BHP agreed to make an ex gratia payment through lawyers they insisted I retain — Conrad Curry Law, who were paid $30,000 to submit quantum loss calculations. Senator Roberts agreed to suspend his public exposure of BHP’s conduct on the condition they paid me.

But BHP reneged on the deal. Senator Roberts stayed silent. And I was left with nothing.

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Where I Am Now:

Because of this battle, I’ve been systematically broken:

• Homeless and without income for 5 years

• Denied Centrelink disability support

• Had my licence and superannuation access cancelled

• Unable to afford medical care for PTSD and severe depression

• ATO records fraudulently changed — no tax returns lodged in 3 years

• My bank account is now -$18 and will be shut down by ANZ in days

I’ve had no food, no access to funds, and no medical support. Everything required to function in society has been taken from me — deliberately and systematically.

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Why I’m Asking for Help:

This campaign will allow me to:

• Re-establish financial access (basic living, ID, licence, phone)

• Get food, medication, and housing

• Reopen my legal proceedings and prepare fresh court filings

• Continue holding BHP and others accountable for their misconduct

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This is bigger than me.

I’m just one of thousands of coal miners affected by this. If I stop fighting now, the truth stays buried.

Please help me get back on my feet and finish what I started.

Even $5 will make a difference.

Please donate — and share this with your union, networks, and journalists.

With heartfelt thanks,

Simon Turner