Page 2049 - Week 07 - Wednesday, 15 May 2013

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used an allocation from the ACT technology upgrade program to produce a new crane and a high-risk training tower to supplement the constructed facility, and more than 1,200 students have undertaken training.

I think, from the examples I have given here today, it is clear that both the Construction Industry Training Fund Authority and the CIT have a clear mandate and intention to support workplace safety in the ACT. As minister, I will continue to support their work and look forward to bringing industry and training providers together to progress the recommendations from the Getting home safely report.

Again, I recognise the importance of this report. I want to thank those that have had input into it and also note again, as has been said here today, that the government had no hesitation in accepting the 28 recommendations. I will, if I can, in the time left, refer to some of these recommendations that I think are worthy of comment. Recommendation 1 is:

The ACT Government should work closely with the Australian Taxation Office, Fair Work Australia and other government agencies to do all it reasonably can, including through its powers and responsibilities under ACT workers’ compensation legislation, to eradicate sham contracting practices in the construction industry.

It also recommends and makes references to, because this is a whole-of-sector response:

The ACT construction industry should place greater emphasis on the importance of effective task induction. This emphasis should be supported through education and enforcement activities by the regulator as well as education and other support from employer and worker representative bodies …

It also recommends:

The ACT Government should appoint an Industrial Magistrate who could develop knowledge and experience of work health and safety matters and the impact of deterrents on the behaviour of duty holders.

I note that the Attorney-General has brought forward an exposure draft of that work. Recommendation 25 makes comment:

The ACT government should proceed with development and implementation of Shared Services Procurements’ proposed active certification approach following consultation with stakeholders.

The final recommendation is:

The government should conduct a stocktake of the construction industry’s work health and safety performance as at 30 June 2016 to identify what has been achieved, what is yet to be achieved and what new targets or strategies should be put in place.


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