In an announcement issued today Labor Shadow Industrial Relations Minister Wayne Berry is celebrating news just at hand that his workplace safety initiative is being implemented.
It was Mr Berry’s amendments to the Occupational Health and Safety Act which brought about the new scheme of on-the-spot-fines for workplace safety breaches. The Occupational Health and Safety Amendment Act 2000 was passed in March 2001.
"It has been a long haul from opposition to strengthen the Territory’s occupational health and safety laws – especially so with a Liberal Government which is indifferent to improving workplace safety," Mr Berry said.
"In 1995 the Productivity Commission recommended increased penalties and on-the-spot-fines for workplace safety breaches but there was no response from the Liberals in the ACT. It took the Labor Opposition to fill the void.
"When evidence before the coronial inquiry into the tragic hospital implosion pointed to attempts to interfere with the work of Workcover inspectors, I introduced laws to establish an independent Occupational Health and Safety Commissioner.
"The commencement of the on-the-spot fines completes this important rewrite of workplace safety laws which result in less workplace injuries and lower cost to the community.
"I welcomed the funding in the budget to implement my on-the-spot-fine legislation and I have now been advised that documentation and training for inspector is complete. The on-the-spot-fines will be implemented from 19 October beginning with an education program for employers.
"This concludes my workplace safety program for the fourth Assembly and will result in workers’ safety will taking on a higher priority in the workplace," Mr Berry concluded.