Tasmanian workers are one step closer to being afforded the same protections as their mainland counterparts under new industrial manslaughter laws.
The legislation, introduced by the state Labor opposition, proposes penalties of up to 21 years in prison for individuals and fines of up to $18 million for companies who engage in negligent conduct that results in a worker’s death.
Unions Tasmania Secretary Jessica Munday, who has been pushing for change for several years, said the move is “long overdue”.
“We hope they act as a deterrent for employers who put profit before people and don’t invest in workplace health and safety,” she said.
“Now, if the worst happens and a worker loses their life on the job through the negligence or recklessness of the employer, there will be sufficiently serious penalties of imprisonment and fines that may provide some measure of justice for families left behind.”
The government had unsuccessfully tried to delay the laws as they passed the lower house this afternoon, a decision Attorney General Guy Barnett said was down to a lack of information.
“We need to ensure we get feedback from the business community large and small, the union groups, other key stakeholders, the lawyers to make sure it fits with our criminal code and we’re certainly not convinced of that at this stage,” he said.
Despite this, Labor Leader Dean Winter said his party had “consulted widely” in developing the bill.
“It is disappointing that Jeremy Rockliff and the Tasmanian Liberals continued their opposition … They have again demonstrated their contempt for working people,” he said.
In the decade to 2022, Tasmania has seen 85 work related fatalities and around 7,500 workers compensation claims from injured workers each year.
Independent MP David O’Byrne, who drafted a similar bill earlier this year, is now looking to his former Labor colleagues to “consider some elements” from his bill as it moves to the upper house.
“The loved ones of those tragically killed at work have fought so hard for this reform, for far too long,” he said.
“I want to acknowledge their ongoing advocacy, and the longstanding advocacy of the broader union movement on this important issue.”
