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Chamber Welcomes State Opposition Support for OH&S Changes
The Illawarra Business Chamber has welcomed the decision of the NSW Opposition to introduce into the NSW Parliament an OH&S Bill that mirrors the John Della Bosca Bill released by the Government in 2006.
“The introduction of this legislation into our State parliament is a reminder that our local businesses are crying out for OH&S reform,” said IBC CEO Mr Mark Grimson.
"NSW has the most vexing OH&S system in terms of compliance, prosecutions and fines and yet has, according to the ABS, injury rates worse than the Australian average.
"The system is not working as it should and is failing both employers and employees. The Government itself recognised this by introducing a draft bill which it subsequently withdrew for political purposes.
"The review process has now dragged on for over two years with the NSW Government receiving the latest review from Hon Paul Stein AM QC in April.
"The Leader of the Opposition Mr O’Farrell is right to put OH&S back on the agenda and he has demonstrated a willingness to engage in a complex policy issue.
The IBC in conjunction with NSW Business Chamber has, along with 23 other industry organisations, made submissions to repeated government inquiries calling for reform of OH&S.
We have also written to all local Illawarra State based MPs calling for action on this issue.
The time has come for leadership and action – and the Leader of the Opposition has demonstrated it on this issue.
"I am not advocating that this mirror Bill is perfect, far from it, but at least it represents a willingness to engage in a real debate about how to further improve our workplace safety culture in NSW,” said Mr Grimson.
"I believe injury rates are worse in NSW because NSW has not fostered a co-operative approach to workplace safety between employers, employees and Workcover.
For more information contact: Mark Grimson on 4229 4722 or 0409 155 240
