Workplace Manslaughter Legislation – Adjournment

Ms ADDISON (Wendouree) (19:11:15): I direct my adjournment matter to the Attorney-General, and the action I seek is for her to provide me with a detailed update on the progress of the development of the workplace manslaughter legislation and the work of the implementation task force, as it is an issue that I care deeply about.

This is an issue of great significance to many members of my community following the workplace deaths of Charlie Howkins and Jack Brownlee in Delacombe on 21 March 2018 when they were crushed under tonnes of loose earth following a trench collapse.

I note that the first meeting of the workplace manslaughter implementation task force occurred on 28 March 2019, chaired by the member for Sydenham and including representatives from business, unions, industry and victims’ families.

I wish to recognise the contribution of and pay tribute to Dave and Janine Brownlee and Lana Cormie as victims’ families representatives on the implementation task force. To have Jack, a most precious son, and Charlie, a beloved husband and father, killed in such tragic circumstances and then do all that you can to prevent others from being killed at work is admirable — thank you.

The workplace manslaughter laws that we promised to introduce will help make sure that every Victorian makes it home to their loved ones. I look forward to being updated by the Attorney‑General on this most important matter.

 

Read the Minister’s response here – or for more of my contributions in Parliament, click here.