Berry Moves To Guarantee Independence Of WorkCover

Wayne Berry - Opposition Spokesperson on Industrial Relations

Media Statement - 29 March 2000

Labor Shadow Industrial Relations Minister Wayne Berry today introduced a bill into the ACT Legislative Assembly to guarantee the independence of ACT WorkCover inspectors.

In 1999 Mr Berry successfully introduced legislation to establish and independent commissioner to oversee WorkCover. Following a briefing from government officers on the implementation of the 1999 legislation concerns arose that the staff of ACT WorkCover would remain under the control of the Chief Executive of Urban Services rather than the independent commissioner.

"I have moved today to remove this anomaly," Mr Berry said, "it was clearly the intention and understanding of the Assembly that the WorkCover inspectors be able to operate without any possibility of interference."

"Occupational Health and Safety has been an area where questions of government interference have been raised in the past. Both in the inquest into the death arising from the failed Canberra Hospital Implosion and in earlier years when ministerial staff were dispatched to workplaces under investigation by WorkCover inspectors, questions have arisen about the independence of WorkCover inspectors to carry out their statutory duties unhindered.

"The amendment I moved today is based on similar provisions in the Auditor General's Act which guarantee the Auditor General's independence to direct staff to carry out their statutory requirements.

"The Assembly now has the opportunity to consider this simple amendment and pass it in the next session in time for the appointment of the commissioner," Mr Berry concluded.