Page 1997 - Week 10 - Tuesday, 24 October 1989
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At the same time, of course, because the duty of care goes across the whole area, because the employers have responsibility under the legislation, I believe they still have the responsibility to ensure that their workers understand the requirements of the legislation. So I believe it is very important - dare I say critical - that the Minister reviews, before Thursday when we get to this, his attitude to this because I really believe that it could well disadvantage people who speak foreign languages and who seek to join the work force in the ACT. I plead with him to review it and to talk to Mr Wood at length on it because he was involved in long discussions on this matter.
With reference to the designated work groups and 85 per cent of the Canberra population being excluded by the number 10 or 11, it seems to me that all people under the legislation will be covered by the duty of care, and that is the critical factor. That the number is now not 13, as we had originally recommended, I think, is due to Mr Wood pointing out that some people may consider that unlucky. When you have something unlucky associated with something like occupational health and safety, it is a very poor way to start. The committee emphasised again and again the importance of education in relation to this Bill, so the number was reduced, with the final result being as you see it.
Mr Stefaniak, my good colleague, who is very keen on the notion of an independent NIMBY, pointed out that penalties to safety representatives should be increased. In fact there are no penalties for safety representatives.
Mr Stefaniak: I said there should be some.
MR MOORE: He says there should be some. There is no way that I can concur with him on this because - - -
Mr Humphries: You are clearing the gallery, Michael.
Mr Kaine: You've lost the audience.
Mr Wood: Liven it up, Michael.
Mrs Grassby: Yes, they're all leaving, Michael. For goodness sake, give them something to make them stay. Come back. It's going to get better.
MR MOORE: Perhaps if I promise the gallery that I shall shower when I go home before an evening session that may help. The tactics that have come out over the last few days have been something else!
Mr Speaker, going back to my good colleague Mr Stefaniak, who could well be in government within a short while - 1 April, I understand, is the date of their takeover - let me say that the penalties to safety representatives are certainly not an available option because, if that is the
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