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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 1999 Week 12 Hansard (16 November) . . Page.. 3539 ..
MR SMYTH (continuing):
The Government, in preparing this Bill, has been fully cognisant of the recent recommendations of the Coroner regarding WorkCover and the Dangerous Goods Unit.
Of course, many of the recommendations of the Coroner have already been addressed in the reforms since 1997. Indeed, the Coroner recognised this in his report at page 196, noting that:
'the Government and civil service are to be commended for taking such a positive and immediate response to Katie Bender's death. It should be stated that the need for reform was seen shortly before the tragedy and steps were being taken to implement change when the death occurred.
Clearly, more remains to be done and this Bill delivers much of this.
Mr Speaker, this Bill marks a significant milestone in the reform of occupational health and safety in the Territory. It places the ACT in line with contemporary practices in other jurisdictions, provides the appropriate independence for the regulator, enables enhanced mechanisms for delivering workplace and community safety and ensures accountability and transparency of decision making processes.
Debate (on motion by Mr Berry ) adjourned.
MR STEFANIAK (Minister for Education) (11.05): Mr Speaker, I seek leave to present the Building and Construction Industry Training Levy Amendment Bill 1999.
Leave granted.
MR STEFANIAK: Mr Speaker, I present the Building and Construction Industry Training Levy Amendment Bill 1999, together with its explanatory memorandum.
Title read by Clerk.
MR STEFANIAK: I move:
That this Bill be agreed to in principle.
I seek leave to have the tabling speech incorporated in Hansard.
Leave granted.
The speech read as follows:
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