Page 421 - Week 02 - Wednesday, 24 February 1993
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The delay in commencement hopefully has given small business breathing space to prepare themselves for the requirements of the legislation. Any perceived delay at this point in preparing for the implementation of the legislation would be to small business's and the community's disadvantage. In conclusion, Madam Speaker, it is important that this Assembly sends clear messages to the community about decisions that are taken here and that the ACT does have and enjoy stable government.
MR DE DOMENICO (11.55), in reply: Madam Speaker, I rise to close the debate, if I speak for more than four minutes. If Mr Lamont wants to extend the time for debate, I am quite happy to entertain a motion along those lines. We have heard what Mr Humphries said about some of the untruths that have been bandied around in the media and other places over the past week or so. I would like to remark on what Mr Berry said. Mr Berry used the words "consultative network". I remind Mr Berry that he consulted with nobody. I will repeat that: Mr Berry consulted with nobody last year, except perhaps the trade union movement, before he put in his initial amendments to the Act.
Mr Berry then attended a meeting of, I am told, 112 employer representatives - I will provide you with a list of signatures if you want, Mr Berry - who all disagreed with what Mr Berry wanted to do. They were also prepared to disagree with Mr Berry in writing, not just at the meeting but beforehand and afterwards. We are not talking about people who shove workers out into the street. Mr Berry used some colourful phrases such as "taking a pot shot at workers". That is outrageous, even coming from your mouth, Mr Berry. It is outrageous because you know that that is not true. You continually say it, even though you know that it is not true. For you to say that when you know that it is not true is outrageous.
As I said before, the greatest asset any employer has is his or her workers. It is commonsense, Mr Berry - if you would like to sit down and listen - that I am going to look after my greatest asset. Employers in the ACT with designated work groups of 10 or less will continue to look after their staff. They did not need this piece of legislation to require them to do so, because they are their greatest asset.
What you are saying, Mr Berry, is that you are the only one in Australia that knows anything about occupational health and safety. That is what is implied by your invitation to the media. You are standing on your high horse and saying that you, Wayne Berry, want uniform standards all over the country. The rest of the community will say, "Yes, we agree with you, Mr Minister", and my repeal Bill says, "Yes, I agree with you too, Mr Berry. Let us have uniform standards. Let us bring to the ACT the standards we have accepted for many years in New South Wales".
There were no accidents in workplaces with below 20 employees, prior to this. You talk about workers compensation. As you know, Mr Berry, I represented the insurance industry in this town and other places for over 15 years until elected to this place. As you should also know, Mr Berry, I was the person who on behalf of the insurance industry negotiated workers compensation rates. I can tell you, and the Insurance Council has told you and others in writing, that your occupational health and safety legislation had very little, if anything, to do with
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