Page 4666 - Week 13 - Tuesday, 31 October 2017
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Last week I released an RMIT study on safety culture in the construction industry. It was, as they say, a curate’s egg—good in parts. But there were some concerning findings: an apparent disconnect between management and workers on the ground when it comes to perceptions of safety, concerns about mental health within the industry and a view that apprentices are not receiving the level of supervision and instruction that they should be.
We have already acted on concerns about apprentice and young workers safety. In August this year I asked the tripartite Work Safety Council to establish a time-limited subcommittee to consider the issue of apprentice and young worker safety and report back to me. WorkSafe ACT is also undertaking an audit into the supervision of new and vulnerable workers. The audit will identify the current levels of compliance with supervision and workplace induction and safety and provide education and advice to managers, supervisors, apprentices and trainees on safe work practices relevant to their industry. In addition, Skills Canberra is working closely with WorkSafe ACT to target field officer visits to workplaces employing apprentices and trainees that require further monitoring in relation to health and safety responsibilities.
In July 2017 changes to the territory’s workers compensation laws came into effect that increased the amount of compensation that is available to people with debilitating asbestos diseases by $140,000. We have also made it the responsibility of a government agency to ensure that people who find themselves in these tragic situations are able to access compensation quickly and without undue stress. These changes complement the territory’s asbestos safety laws, which are amongst the most stringent in the country and include mandatory asbestos training for workers who may come into close contact with asbestos, including pest controllers and telecommunications technicians. Over 15,000 people have completed this training so far.
As I reflect on this past year, there are many highlights to celebrate. I have greatly enjoyed the chance to be part of such a change. I want to take this opportunity to thank my colleagues here in the Assembly, especially my ministerial colleagues, my staff and the public servants who have supported me over this first busy year as an MLA and minister. I particularly want to thank those public servants across my portfolios who work on the front line of service delivery. The work they do every day makes Canberra safer, stronger and more inclusive. I look forward to the next 12 months as part of the Barr Labor government, doing what I can do to see Canberra progress towards even greater levels of inclusion and participation in our community. I present the following paper:
Achievements over the last year—Ministerial statement, 31 October 2017.
I move:
That the Assembly take note of the paper.
MRS KIKKERT (Ginninderra) (11.59): I thank the minister for the statement she has read regarding the past 12 months. I also take this opportunity to briefly respond to
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