Page 1863 - Week 07 - Tuesday, 22 June 2021
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risk assessment tool. People at Work is Australia’s only validated and evidence based psychosocial risk assessment survey tool, with benchmarking that measures psychosocial hazards and factors. People at Work can help workplaces comply with their health and safety duties, better manage work-related psychosocial hazards and factors, and prevent psychological harm. It is a free online tool that helps people understand their rights and obligations around psychosocial hazards in the workplace.
WorkSafe also works closely with the national regulator Safe Work Australia on the development of guidance materials. Safe Work Australia has published a guide to preventing workplace sexual harassment to provide detailed information for employers on practical ways to prevent sexual harassment at work. The commissioner and her team at WorkSafe are doing an excellent job in keeping Canberrans safe at work.
MR PETTERSSON: Minister, how is the government improving workplace safety in the building and construction sector, including in residential construction?
MR GENTLEMAN: I thank Mr Pettersson for his interest in workplace safety across Canberra as well. The government has always stood up for workers and their rights to come home safe from work. We know that the building and construction industry can be dangerous. This is why we need strong workplace protection laws. The government has committed to establishing industrial manslaughter as an offence under the Work Health and Safety Act. WorkSafe ACT has also recently hired two new inspectors to increase their capability in dealing with the serious safety issues in the construction industry.
I am aware of the work being done by industry groups in conjunction with WorkSafe ACT about safety on residential construction sites. This follows the deaths of two workers on residential sites last year, and it has come about because of dangerous and dodgy practices still being rife within the industry. It is pleasing to see these industry groups speak out on this important matter, and I look forward to their support as this government works to strengthen workplace safety. Improving safety in the sector will assist in improving the building sector itself, and I will continue working to achieve this aim and acknowledge Mr Pettersson’s strong passion in this area.
I thank those who advocate for workers’ safety, as well, and stand strong in solidarity with workers to ensure safety for everyone. I am proud to say that I will always be on their side and on the side of workers.
Mr Barr: Further questions can be placed on the notice paper, Madam Speaker.
Supplementary answer to question without notice
Business—ChooseCBR scheme
MS CHEYNE: During question time there were questions and answers back and forth between me and Mr Milligan that concerned a particular business, being Deakin IGA. I want to clarify that Deakin IGA never withdrew from the scheme. I believe they stopped accepting vouchers in store, but they advised that they would wait, so they did not withdraw from the scheme.
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