Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . .

Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 2003 Week 1 Hansard (20 February) . . Page.. 364 ..

ACT WorkCover holds around 45 tonnes of fireworks. Fireworks that are rated as 1.4 are held in the Fireworks Depot. Fireworks considered to have the characteristics of explosives greater than 1.4 are held in a high explosives magazine. It is estimated there are over 2000 parcels of fireworks in storage. ACT WorkCover holds records in relation to the fireworks but to provide details of each parcel would be an administratively costly exercise given that the details are kept on files relevant to each case and some seizures involve many parcels.

The majority of the fireworks in the Fireworks Depot have been seized by ACT WorkCover and of these the majority are from one retailer. Twenty-five tonnes were seized from four locations in relation to a seizure from that retailer.

How many individual firework businesses have their property currently in WorkCover custody.

As this question relates to matters that, in some cases, are subject to legal action, it is not appropriate to divulge this information.

How many parcels (by which I mean pertaining to one owner and being part of one seizure) does WorkCover hold

See (11).

Is the Minister aware of any incidences where WorkCover had breached its own regulations.

No.

Is WorkCover subject to the same laws as the wider community.

Yes. WorkCover is bound by the same provisions for storage of fireworks that apply generally.

What authority exists to monitor Workcover's compliance with its own regulations.

Dangerous goods inspectors appointed under the Dangerous Goods Act monitor compliance of all licencees, including WorkCover and other government agencies. In addition, independent auditing has taken place to ensure all elements of compliance are being met. The Australian Federal Police also have powers under the Dangerous Goods Act.

Is the Minister satisfied that the overseeing authority is independent.

Yes. Inspectors have a responsibility to discharge their duties under the Act in relation to government activities and bodies including ACT WorkCover.

Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . .