The Government’s announcement today that they have appointed former Justice Robert McDougall to carry out a review into Safework NSW is well and truly overdue.
 
18 months ago Justice McDougall called for an independent review after being presented with compelling evidence that Safework NSW was failing to protect workers from serious injuries and death.
 
Recent media stories have only added to the mountain of evidence that Safework is  an agency in turmoil with unprecedented numbers of inspectors resigning and their recommendations for investigations and prosecutions being ignored. The consequences of its ineptitude are dire. 
 
Further evidence due to be examined at a public hearing at NSW Parliament on Friday will show that the situation is so serious that the Government cannot push this off until after the election.
 
This review needs to be wide-ranging, include public hearings and must examine not only Safeworks lack of regulation but its sick workplace culture as well.
 
Shadow Minister for IR and WHS Sophie Cotsis stated:
 
The Perrotet Government cannot continue to delay this review which must commence immediately, with public hearings that examine systemic issues with Safework NSW”.
 
“Research from my office along with mounting pressure from families and former inspectors has seen the Auditor-General agreeing to an audit into Safework. While this is welcomed an immediate and wider examination is critical”.
 
The NSW Opposition’s upcoming call for papers and a public hearing this Friday will reveal further issues with Safework that show the need for this review is now. Leaving it till after the election is too late”.

SOPHIE COTSIS MP
NSW SHADOW MINISTER FOR INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS
NSW SHADOW MINISTER FOR WORK HEALTH AND SAFETY