Assembly Passes Berry's Occupational Health And Safety Bill

Wayne Berry - Opposition Spokesperson on Industrial Relations

Media Statement - 8 December 1999

The ACT Legislative Assembly last night passed Wayne Berry's bill to establish the statutory independence of WorkCover. Labor Shadow Industrial Relations Minister Wayne Berry introduced the bill in June this year in a move designed to prevent political interference in the operations of WorkCover.

Mr Berry said today, "I am happy that the Assembly supported my bill in preference to the one introduced by the Carnell Government. The Government's bill was drafted in haste, after the Coronial report was delivered - but it was flawed. It was a transparent attempt to deflect the criticism raised by the Coroner in his report.

"The Assembly has shown that it has taken heed of the Coroner's report, and its recommendations, and has acted to implement some of those recommendations - namely the recommendation to establish WorkCover and the Dangerous Goods Unit as an independent statutory authority.

This is a demonstration to the people of the ACT that we will not allow another mistake like the failed hospital implosion.

"Occupational Health and Safety in the workplace has long been a commitment of the Labor Party in the Assembly and I urged the Government as early as 1995-96 to give statutory independence to WorkCover - but the Carnell Government refused.

"I remained determined to free WorkCover from political interference to allow it to concentrate on its main task - the occupational health and safety of workers and members of the community. Because of the Government's refusal to act I had a bill drafted to carry it out.

"The Labor Party with the support of Trevor Kaine, Paul Osborne and Kerry Tucker, has now passed the bill and WorkCover will be free to undertake its responsibilities without political interference.

"All of Canberra will benefit from the passage of this legislation. I will now keep the pressure on the Government to make sure that WorkCover has the resources to carry out its duties," Mr Berry concluded.