Over 150 AMWU Health and Safety committee members, reps and union delegates attended the NSW Annual OHS Conference held at Lidcombe in August 2007.

The conference heard NSW Minister for Industrial Relations John Della Bosca commit to increased support to longer term injured workers, NSW Worksafe brief delegates on current manual handling programs, State Secretary Paul Bastian in regard the threat of a re-elected Howard government and changes under the Comcare system as well as concern at possible changes to the NSW Act. .

The conference was organised by NSW OHS Coordinator Dave Henry and also provided an opportunity for delegates to work in small groups around consultation rights under the NSW Act as well as ways H&S Reps and AMWU delegates can work better together.

‘A highlight for me was the level of questions and discussion throughout the day’ said Dave Henry. ‘There was a lot of concern expressed from many participants at the inadequate return to work provisions in the current legislation – and this was directed at the Minister. We look forward to following up the Minister and the government in NSW on these issues’ he said.