Page 249 - Week 01 - Thursday, 15 February 1990
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be gazetting the Act in stages over the next few months and I expect it to be fully operational by early May this year. The Government's ultimate objective is the introduction of a scheme that will have the broad support of the industrial partners and that will achieve the desired result of a safer and healthier workplace, something I am sure that all members of this Assembly will endorse.
It must be remembered there has been criticism aimed at the Act from several quarters and, as I said earlier in my address, the Government has decided that it would be appropriate for the operation of the Act to be kept under review by the industrial relations advisory council.
Mr Wood: You voted with us on these workplace committees.
MR SPEAKER: Order, Mr Wood!
MR DUBY: This tripartite structure is the appropriate body to monitor the continuing effectiveness of the Act and to recommend changes in the light of experience.
Mr Wood: Well, tell us what you are doing?
MR DUBY: In relation to designated workplace committees, Mr Wood, I would expect - - -
Members interjected.
MR SPEAKER: Order! I would ask members to stop interjecting. The Leader of the Opposition specifically requested that members on the opposite side do so. You are now breaking her requirements. Please desist.
Mr Wood: I just want an explanation of why you have changed your mind.
MR SPEAKER: Please proceed, Mr Duby.
MR DUBY: In relation to those matters, Mr Wood, I would expect that the desirability of reducing the size of the DWGs, the designated work groups, from 20 to 10 or any other number, for that matter, would be considered as part of that review and as a matter to be taken under consideration by IRAC, of which I am the chair. In view of those facts, which clearly demonstrate, Mr Speaker, this Government's commitment to occupational health and safety and to the well being of workers in the ACT, I move the following amendments to the motion as presented:
That all words after "Assembly" be omitted and the following substituted:
"(1) notes that the Occupational Health and Safety Act passed on 31 October 1989 will be fully operational by 14 May 1990; and
(2) requires the Government to review the provisions of this Act following advice from the proposed Industrial Relations Advisory Committee".
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