One of the two survivors of the Pike River mine explosion says he believes the mines in Australia, where he has taken up work, are much safer than those in New Zealand.
Daniel Rockhouse, 24, who survived the blast along with Russell Smith, has moved to Queensland to work in a mine near MacKay. His brother Daniel is among the dead.
He says a miner cannot put one foot out of line in Australia, with more safety procedures and closer scrutiny than in New Zealand.
Mr Rockhouse expects to return to New Zealand at some stage to take part in the Royal Commission on the disaster, which is being held in Greymouth.
Twenty nine men died in the explosion on 19 November last year.
Coal mine safety advisor David Feickert says Australia has the highest safety standards for coal mining in the world.
Mr Feickert says he's advised the New Zealand Government to commission a new regulatory system for mine safety.
