The Territory Labor Government has released a six-month review of the Territory’s workplace regulator, NT WorkSafe.
The review looks at present policies, procedures and activities, and considers how best practices can be implemented to support staff and the industry.
The review makes 27 recommendations to improve workplace health and safety regulation in the NT, to protect Territory workers and businesses. They include:
rebalancing organisational priorities to meet Territorians’ expectations about work safety
ensuring people across the Territory have access to NT WorkSafe
upgrading skills in relation to compliance and investigation, and improving systems
refocusing resources to allow for prosecutions and ‘hard-compliance’ activities
clarifying regulator functions to further strengthen independence.
The Territory Labor Government commissioned independent consultant Tim Lyons to carry out the review. He has previously completed a similar review of the Queensland regulator and worked closely with industry while compiling his NT WorkSafe review.
To view the final report, visit: https://justice.nt.gov.au/attorney-general-and-justice/law-reform-reviews/published-reports-outcomes-and-historical-consultations/outcomes-of-consultation-and-reviews-reports
Quotes from the Attorney-General and Minister for
Justice, Natasha Fyles:
“Territorians deserve to be safe when they are at
work and this review will help us provide the best possible Territory
regulator, to protect Territory workers while supporting Territory businesses.
“This review has highlighted areas where we can make improvements, and we are now examining the findings and recommendations of the report.
“We will develop an implementation plan and I look forward to providing a more detailed response in coming months.”
Quotes from Consultant Tim Lyons:
“While there are some unique challenges in ensuring workplace safety in the NT, these 27 recommendations are designed to provide a road map for improved workplace safety.
“Territorians face far higher rates of workplace fatalities than in any other Australian jurisdiction. Recommendations such as improving the visibility and performance of NT WorkSafe and the deterrent effects of introducing industrial manslaughter legislation are important steps towards dealing with this situation.”
Media Contact: Leanne Hudson 0427 687 079