Page 4677 - Week 13 - Tuesday, 31 October 2017
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they may suffer an exacerbation of their injury or illness, resulting in delayed recovery and return to work.
At present the legislation does not contain a penalty provision for employers who do not comply with this obligation, leaving the regulator with limited enforcement powers. Amendments contained in this bill introduce a penalty of up to 10 penalty units and provide WorkSafe inspectors with a mechanism to issue an on-the-spot fine on an employer who refuses to comply.
The government is ever mindful of the impact a workplace injury can have on workers and their families. The changes proposed in this bill move to both modernise access and benefit design within the private sector workers compensation scheme to ensure that injured workers receive prompt and adequate compensation. I commend the bill to the Assembly.
Debate (on motion by Mr Wall) adjourned to the next sitting.
Sitting suspended from 12.35 to 2.30 pm.
Questions without notice
Land—rural block 1600 Belconnen
MR COE: My question is to the Minister for Housing and Suburban Development. In May last year the board of the LDA approved the purchase of Belconnen rural block 1600, known as Pine Ridge, near Holt. The LDA purchased this property for a cost of $4.6 million with the settlement taking place under the Suburban Land Agency. Under the old arrangements the LDA board could make a decision to purchase the land but must advise either the Chief Minister or the planning minister or both. Minister, did the board of the LDA or the Suburban Land Agency formally notify you of this purchase and in what form was that notification made, if it was?
MS BERRY: The decision on the purchase of the land referred to in the opposition leader’s question was made by the LDA under the former arrangements and under those arrangements there was no requirement to inform the minister. I am just going to check whether or not I was advised prior to the decision to purchase the property to finish the contractual arrangements after 1 July. I will get that date and if I was advised before then and I will let you know.
MR COE: Why do we have a situation where the SLA and CRA do not have policies in place right now for acquiring land, given that it has been four months since they were created?
MS BERRY: That work is being done to make sure that the policy is right. In the meantime, I am advised that there are no purchases of land being sought by the SLA.
MS LAWDER: Minister, who is responsible for developing new policies for acquiring land?
MS BERRY: The Treasurer, the Chief Minister.
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